James Irvin Davis

James Irvin “Butch” Davis, age 76 died March 5, 2019, in Goodyear, AZ. He was born May 10, 1942, in Cairo, GA, the third of eight children born to Lugenia (Willis) and Jack Davis, Sr.   Butch’s roots sank deep into the soil of Cairo, GA. Cairo was where he was raised in the church, where he learned to be strong, and where he was embraced by his large family. Regardless of where he traveled, his heart always led him back to his home in Cairo.

Butch served four years in the US Air Force and was stationed in Germany and France, where his first daughter was born. When he returned to the US, he became a chef working for Amtrak, eventually rising to the position of Head Chef. Butch traveled thousands of miles while ensuring that his passengers were provided with a unique dining experience.   He was a hard worker and keenly aware of the needs of those around him. His hospitality not only extended to his passengers, but to his coworkers and friends. He would captivate them with his stories and his sense of humor and he would go out of his way to help them when they were in need of assistance. He never failed to bring back a memento for his family when he returned from a trip.

Butch was a good father and a good husband. He made time to be with his children and loved to take them back to Cairo where he would pass on his family legacy.  He was protective of his sons and daughter and worked hard to ensure that they had a good life. Butch had a life-long desire to be a cowboy, so he took his children horseback riding and to Lake Tobesofkee as well as to Magic Mountain and Six Flags theme parks. Butch had a large family with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He took good care of all of them but especially loved to be with his parents, brothers and sisters, and children. He would often buy beautiful dresses for his mother and sisters, and he remained close with his brothers and sisters throughout his life.

Butch is survived by his first wife, Jacqueline, the mother of his children; wife, Janet; daughter, Terrie and son-in-law, Mark; sons, Jimmy and daughter-in-law, Sylvia, and Benjamie “Chaddy-Boo”; sisters, Carolyn D. Marshall of Ft Valley, GA, and Edna Perez of Atlanta, GA; brothers Robert “Bobby” Davis of Chase City, VA, Curtis “Alton” Davis of Ft. Valley, GA, and Jack O’Neal Davis of Warner Robbins, GA; four grandchildren, Richard “Ricky”, Nicole, Brittany “Nee-Nee”, and Danielle; and many others in his large family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lugenia and Jack Davis, Sr.; brother, Joseph Larmar Davis of Ft Valley, GA, and William Otis Davis of Washington, DC. A repast will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019.