James Paul "Jay" Davis

With faith in God's comfort and promise, we share the sudden passing of James "Jay" Paul Davis of Corbin, Kentucky, who walked through the heavenly gates on November 14, 2025. Jay, 57, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, Marine, musician, and devoted servant of Christ. His passing leaves an unspeakable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Jay was born on January 23, 1968, in Hamilton, Ohio, and lived a life marked by devotion-to his family, to service, to music, and to the Lord.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly Baxter Davis, his cherished children Whitney Davis and Bailey Davis (Kim Joyner Brown), Jenna Hopkins (Mike), and Blaine Phelps.
He was the beloved Pap to his adored granddaughter, Emryn Brooke Hopkins, better known to him as "Sugar Britches." Jay is also survived by his cherished in-law family, Pat and Doug Baxter, and brother-in-law Brian Baxter, all of whom held special places in his heart.

He was the beloved son of Judy Powell, and brother to Michelle Davis Kennedy, Carrie Davis Sparks (Dan), Everett Powell, and stepsister Angela Powell Williams.

Jay was a proud and loving uncle to Megan Kennedy, Ethan Schleuter (Jaclyn), Caitlyn Kennedy, Abbie Burkes (Bruce), Nicolas Kennedy, Jill Bryant (Jeffrey), Michael Williams (Kristin), Erica McCalley, Matthew Williams (Amy), and many beloved great nieces and nephews. His nieces and nephews were among his greatest joys, and he celebrated each of them with pride and affection, loving them as his own children.

Jay was joyfully met at heaven's gates by his father, Carl Davis; his Dad, Floyd Powell; his grandparents Margaret Ross Davis (Memaw) and James Davis (Pepaw), Inez Bailey (Nanny) and Bascom Bailey (Pap), Omer and Edna Powell (Grandma and Grandpa), Great Grandparents Earl (Granddad) and Susie (Mamaw) Bailey; along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and countless pets and animals he loved. Best of all he was met by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom he loved with all his heart. What a homecoming that must have been!

A proud United States Marine, Jay served honorably for ten years, including deployments during Desert Shield, Desert Storm and multiple Middle East conflicts. His work in Marine Corp recruiting inspired others to serve their country as well. His courage, loyalty, and dedication to his fellow Marines remained with him throughout his life.

Jay's heart found a home at Parkway Ministries, where he loved his pastors, Mark and Jennifer Hisle, and his church family. He served in many ways, but none brought him more joy than being part of the worship team. A gifted musician, Jay played drums, bass guitar, lead guitar, and nearly any instrument he picked up. He was also a talented vocalist who loved praising Jesus. Worship wasn't just something Jay did-it was the deepest expression of his love and faith.

Jay will be remembered for his big, infectious laugh, his generous spirit, his unwavering loyalty, his bear hugs, and his profound love for the Lord. He was quick to hug, laugh, play pranks, be moved emotionally, learn something new and never held back from saying "I love you". His legacy of love, faith, music, service, and joy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.

Friends and family are invited in fellowship to honor Jay's life.

•Visitation and Memorial Services will be held at Parkway Ministries, 510 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Corbin, KY, on Thursday, November 20th, 2025. Visitation begins at 4:30pm, with the service beginning at 6:00 pm.

•A celebration of life will be held at Crossfire Church (previously Hamilton Assembly of God) 1940 W. Elkton Rd, Hamilton, OH, on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:00pm

Jay's memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and he will never be forgotten. We know you are pickin' with Daddy and Deno, fishing with Dad and giving everyone else one of those big bear hugs. We will miss those hugs until we see you again. Dance like David, sing like Paul and know that while we are broken here, we will carry your love with us always. Rest in peace Brother, we've got it from here.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jay's honor to Parkway Ministries, where it can be used to further the work he was doing to grow the Kingdom of God.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of James Paul "Jay" Davis, please click here to visit our sympathy store.