James A. Davis

Honoring the life of a true Southern gentleman and faithful Christian, Jim respected each person's life and was full of wisdom. He was a wonderful husband and father and his legacy will be treasured by all. Jim put his family's needs above his own and was always there whenever he was needed. He believed that a person lived and died by the decisions they make. Jim was a faithful member of Cornerstone Freewill Baptist Church for many years.

A fun-loving man, he enjoyed hosting Fourth of July parties at his home. He enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and family. In his younger years, he was an avid bowler and was a part of many leagues. He retired from General Motors in 2006 with 41 years of employment. He served in several capacities with General Motors and 25 years as a union representative with the Local U.A.W. #549. He enjoyed completing puzzles, but traveling and creating treasured family memories were most important to him.

Jim loved celebrating with his family and friends and would always say, "I would rather have your presence than your presents". Proverbs 17:6 states, "The glory of the children are their fathers." and Jim proved this to be true in every way.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Shirley Haynes Davis; daughter, Kerrie (Rich) Haas; chosen daughter, Michelle Ash; four grandchildren, Steve (Megan) Diller, Jessie Diller, Jordan Haas and Logan Haas; three great-grandchildren, Addy, Bella and Ellie; sisters, Erma, Charlotte (Gene) and Shirley; brother, Delmar; and special brother-in-law, Don (Cheryl) Haynes and sister-in-law, Virginia Haynes. Greeting Jim in Heaven are his daughter, Barbie; mother, Stella Richardson Davis; father, Sam Davis; and three brothers, Tivis, Dan and Gene.

Jim's family would like to extend their gratitude to the cardiac unit at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital and Springfield Township Fire and Rescue for their wonderful care. Also a special thank you to the 3rd Floor nursing staff at Avita Hospital in Ontario for their hospitality and support of the family during this difficult time.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2017, in the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. Additional visitation will be held Wednesday at Cornerstone Freewill Baptist Church, 1602 Walker Lake Road, Ontario, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Bill Crank and Brother Freddy Dutton will conduct the service which follows at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Freewill Baptist Church.