James Franklin Davis

James Franklin Davis lived ninety wonderful years and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the comfort of his own home. Jim was born in Eufaula, Oklahoma on March 7, 1933. He was the only child of Benjamin Ellis Davis and Grace Sherrill Davis and grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned a degree in Accounting and joined Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He graduated from OU Law School and enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard before taking the bar exam and establishing himself in the law firm of Mosteller, Fellars, Andrews and Loving. He met the love of his life of 62 years, Kathryn Charlese Elliott, and they were married in 1961. On their honeymoon, his Army Reserve unit was called to active duty; he served in the JAG Corp in Fort Smith, Arkansas for 18 months during the Berlin Crisis.

Jim had a successful law career with the Andrews Davis law firm for 50+ years. He was known by his clients and partners for his honesty, integrity and wisdom and was often acknowledged as one of the best Estate and Tax attorneys in the State of Oklahoma. He resided in Oklahoma City, OK where he and Katie raised three beautiful daughters, Kimberly Davis Tranbarger (Monty), Susan Davis Jordan, and Nancy Lynn Roberts (Dan). He was a loving “Pa” to his nine grandchildren: Nathan James Roberts Glassell (Kate), Dale Francis Jordan III (Mary), Samuel Jared Roberts, Rachel Kathryn Jordan, Benjamin Davis Tranbarger, Andrew Blake Tranbarger, William James Tranbarger, Lillie Grace Roberts, and Abigail Kate Roberts, and great-grandchildren Ava James Glassell and Adaline Monet Glassell. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim served on the OU Bizzell Memorial Library Board and the OU Law School Board of Visitors; he was a Deacon, Elder, and Trustee at Westminster Presbyterian Church; founding Board member of Westminster Day School; founding Board member of the Westminster Church Foundation; and on the Committee of 100 supporting families of fallen policemen and firemen.

Jim was an avid reader and read every book written about Winston Churchill. He loved flying his Cessna 210, fishing, OU ballgames, and his wife’s lemon meringue pies. He was fondly known as “Big Jim” to all who loved him. But the one whom he loved most, was his wife, Katie.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, September 25th at 11:00 am at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 N. Shartel, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 followed by a reception in Payne Garden Court at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Oklahoma College of Law, Westminster Presbyterian Church Foundation or Westminster Day School.

The family would like to thank Denise, Glenda, Betty, George and Kerry, his wonderful caregivers who were so loving and a great support.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors.