James M. Davis

James M. Davis was born in a small farmhouse in Elmdale, near Abilene, TX on April 9th, 1921 to Coke and Quay Davis. He passed away from us on February 20, 2012. Between those dates, he had a long, well-lived, purposeful life. From his meager beginnings, as a small boy during the Great Depression, he was barely able to dream big enough for the life that awaited him. With the beginning of WWII, he had his chance to chase his dreams and enter the service. During this time, he successfully flew 33 bombing missions, and became one of the most accomplished B-24 pilots to ever fly. He was later inducted into the Combat Airmen Hall of Fame. Oddly, he didn’t feel that was his greatest accomplishment at the time. His greatest accomplishment came when he finally convinced his love, Jean Ellis Davis, to marry him. During their 65 years together, they had a daughter, Marilynn Davis. He later became the vice-president of Central Texas Iron Works, and also published a book of his memoirs, titled In Hostile Skies: An American B-24 Pilot in World War II. He loved working with his hands, fixing things, and tending to his yard. He faithfully attended First Baptist Church in Midland, TX for 64 years, and spent much of his time volunteering at the Commemorative Air Force. He is survived by his daughter, Marilynn Davis Brooks of Midland, TX; two grandchildren: Amanda Somma of Austin, TX, and Alan Davis Brooks of Midland, TX. He also has five great-grandchildren, Audrey, Naomi, Davis, Dylan, and Isaiah. Family will welcome friends at Ellis Funeral Home on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 8:00am to 3:00pm with the service immediately following. The funeral service will be held in the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 3:00pm with interment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.