James E. "Jim" Davis

James "Jim" E. Davis, died peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026 after a short illness. He was 92 years old.

Jim was born on January 17, 1934 in Barberton, Ohio to the city's Mayor Earl L. Davis and Carrie Lawver Davis. Following his graduation from Barberton High School in 1951, Jim worked his way through the Ohio State University, graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He received his Juris Doctor in 1961 from the Cleveland-Marshall Law School, an evening law school located in downtown Cleveland (now the Cleveland State University College of Law).

While still a youth in Barberton, Jim took up the trumpet, beginning a lifelong love affair with brass instruments and with music. He played in the Barberton High School marching band and earned money by performing in local churches and social organizations. At Ohio State he was a prominent member of the Ohio State University Marching Band (The Best Damn Band in the Land, "TBDBITL"). In his sophomore year, Jim was given the rare honor of performing solo "Taps" before an audience of 80,000 at Ohio Stadium.

After receiving his law degree, Jim worked as an attorney-examiner for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in Columbus. In 1963 he returned to the Akron area to practice law with Max Rothal and Robert Blakemore before starting his own practice with John Quine. After John Quine's death he practiced with Goldman, Rosen, Davis, Tsarnas & Hendler before joining Roderick, Myers & Linton (known today as Roderick Linton Belfance), where he stayed until his retirement.

Jim was Law Director for the Village of Richfield in the 1970s, during the time when Richfield Coliseum opened in 1974, featuring Frank Sinatra supported by Woody Herman-one of Jim's favorite bandleaders.

Another career milestone came in 1984, when Jim-together with fellow Akron attorney Sam Goldman-won a landmark published decision before the US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit (Raymond Bertolini Trucking Company v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue).

Jim was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, U.S. District Court Northern District of Ohio, and the U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio. He served in the United States Army and was a member of the Akron and Ohio Bar Associations. He was a Board member of the Akron Bar Association and President of the Akron Bar Foundation. In 2015 the Akron Bar Association recognized him as Senior Lawyer of the Year.

While practicing law, Jim continued to play the trumpet. He was a member of Local 24-Akron Federation of Musicians. After joining the musician's union, he started performing so much throughout Northeast Ohio that the trumpet became almost a second career, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He also founded and performed in the Akron Brass Quintet. He was extremely proud to have had the opportunity to study trumpet with Bernard Adelstein and Jack Sutte, renowned members of The Cleveland Orchestra. In 2011 Jim published an instructional book entitled "Fundamental Exercises for Trumpet Players." He also participated in music as a member of several Tuesday Musical Association committees.

Besides practicing law, playing the trumpet, and spending time with his family, Jim loved nothing more than having lunch at one of his "joints" in the Akron-Cleveland area. The Diamond Grille, Fred's Diner, Bob's Hamburg, the Main Street Saloon, Hamburger Station, the Hunky Club, Slyman's, and many others won't be the same without him. Keen's Steakhouse and the Old Town Bar in New York City were beloved favorites as well.

Survivors include Betty, his wife of 66 years; his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Reimer Mellin; his son, Christopher Davis; his grandson, Alexander Mellin; and his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas A. and Jean Ann Davis.

Jim's family is planning a celebration of Jim's life this summer. Donations in his memory may be made to the Akron Bar Foundation or to The Cleveland Orchestra.