James Davis

James Lee (Jim) Davis, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully and went to be his Lord & Savior on November 22, 2025, after a courageous journey with Dementia. He was born September 21, 1933 in Wilbur, West Virginia to Darius Kennedy (DK) & Mary Lee Davis, who preceded him in death. He was one of 6 children, having two brothers & three sisters.

Jim graduated from High School in Norris City, Illinois in May 1951. He was drafted into the Army in July 1953, where he served two years in Germany. After serving his country, he worked odd jobs in the oil & gas industry. On June 14, 1957, he married the love of his life, Alma Forrester. They moved to Carbondale, Illinois, so Jim could finish up his degree at Southern Illinois University. While at SIU, Alma gave birth to their first child (Bruce) on November 8, 1958. After graduation, they moved back home to Norris City, where Jim took a job with Carter Oil Company in Carmi, Illinois (which later became Humble Oil Company). The couple welcomed their second child (Laura) on November 8, 1961, 3 years (to the day) after their son.

In October 1969, Jim accepted a promotion and moved his family to New Orleans, La, for a 1-year assignment. Then they moved to Hobbs, NM for three years, and finally to the family's final home in Oklahoma City, in March 1973. Jim & Alma soon joined Cherokee Hills Christian Church, where they served for over 30 years. In 2003, Jim & Alma became charter members of Westside Christian Church, in Oklahoma City. They helped build a new building for Westside Christian that is still utilized today.

Throughout his life, Jim was known for his love of fishing, with the skill and expertise to do it well. If you were a friend of his, you were probably offered to go fishing with him, at some time. Fishing was Jim's love-language to others. Many times, he and his fishing buddies provided fish for large fish fries at church and other events. When he wasn't fishing, Jim was the consummate family man. For 68 years, he loved, adored, & cared for his wife, until death separated them in August of this year. His kids, grandkids, & great grandkids were the apple of his eye. Regardless of his life-long accomplishments, to his grandkids he was just "Papa" – who could do anything.

Jim is survived by his son Bruce Davis (Dana) & daughter Laura Murphy (Bill), 4 granddaughters - Jamie Westbrook (Kyle), Lindsay Ivory (Kyle), Megan Franks (Matt), Madison Murphy, 4 great-grandsons - Wyatt Westbrook, Davis Ivory, Blake Ivory, and Eli Franks, all of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his brother Bob Davis (Judy) & sister Nellie Essary, nieces Vickie Harshbarger, Libby Wilson, LaNell Armour, Jo Casady, Jacque Narrell (Larry), Debbie Moyer (Greg), Diane LeComte (Jeff), Paula Juern (Cliff)& Nephews Mark Davis (Cathi), Bill Dunbar (Jackie) and Great Nieces Breck Harshbarger, Ashley Condrey (Cory) and Great Nephew Chris Harshbarger.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Iris Memory Care for the excellent care they provided for Jim. They loved on him and provided care when needed. A Celebration of Jim's life will be held on Friday, Dec 5, 2025 at 11 am at Buchanan Funeral Service, 8712 N Council Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73132.

Donations in memory of Jim Davis would be greatly appreciated for the Food Pantry Program at Cherokee Hills Christian Church at 6601 N MacArthur Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73132, where many needy people are fed each month.