Jim Davis

On March 4, 2026, James Myron Davis entered peacefully into eternal life after many years struggling with Parkinson’s Disease. Over 82 years earlier, on July 13, 1943, Jim had entered this world, the only child of Elmer A. Davis and Betty L. Rimpler Gallert. Born and raised in Tacoma WA, he attended Holy Rosary School and Bellarmine High School before his college days at Seattle University where he met and married Susan Denman after graduation on June 11, 1966. They moved to Virginia where Jim actively served in the Army. In 1968 Jim, with Sue and family, returned to Tacoma to complete his Army reserve service as Captain while beginning his 37 years of employment with Weyerhaeuser Company.

Jim began his love for computers in college, and it led him to work briefly for Boeing, then to his US Army assignment at Ft. Monroe, Virginia, and finally to Weyerhaeuser. Along the way he earned a Master in Personnel Administration. In 1973, Weyerhaeuser allowed him to move the family to Pullman for 2 years and earn a Master in Computer Science.

Jim’s family life was filled with many sports and hobbies. He loved it when the children participated with him. He often ended up in leadership roles because he was so enthusiastic. He was the first president of the Weyerhaeuser Ski Club in the early 70’s. He roller skated with the children in the 70’s but when his son wanted to speed roller skate, he joined the adult team. In the mid 80’s he began many bike journeys with the Tacoma Wheelmen. That culminated in a dream to ride across the 10 northern states of the country with a group called Cycle America. Weyerhaeuser allowed him to bank vacations for his 3 month adventure that took place in 1990. In the midst of biking, he became interested in kite making. He actually taught it at the local community college for a short time. Then he moved on to kayaking and began The Gig Harbor Kayak Club with a few others. Even when he retired in 2005, he made up a “pretend” business card with a kayak on it and enticed his friends to join his “Retirement Adventures”--trips that he would plan with them. He found friendship with others as they gathered each morning for coffee at their local shop. Jim also loved to spend time with the grandchildren and vacation time with Sue. As the faithful husband, father and friend that he is, he left us many memories to cherish in the days and years to come!

Jim is survived by Sue; seven children: Tim (Yvette), Thom, Terry (Kathleen), Tami (Jim Antush), Tracy (Doug Brown), Todd (Melissa), Therese (Ben Walz); 13 grandchildren: Jacob (Sierra), Jenna (Amy), Jeremy, Hannah, Katie, Joel, Xander, Sid, Howard, Max, Elizabeth, Helen, Jett; 2 great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Evelynn. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Special thanks to the staff of GenCare Lifestyle at Pt. Ruston for their loving care these past two years, as well as to the accentCare Hospice staff.

Services:

A Rosary and Celebration of Life will take place at Gaffney Funeral Home on Sunday March 22, 2026 at 6:30 pm. All are welcome.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held Monday March 23, 2026 at 11 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5504 N 44th St. Tacoma. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery following the reception. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Cross Catholic Church or Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, 1323 South Yakima Ave. Tacoma, WA 98405.