J. D. Davis

March 28, 1941 – November 3, 2015

On Tuesday, November 3, 2015, Jesus called James Shelton Davis (JD) to his eternal home. He is survived by his wife, Judy, daughters Kim and Cheryl, son-in-law, John Meador, granddaughters Morgan, Mackenzie, Mason and Montana Meador, brothers-in-law, Terry and Jerry Akin and their wives, Sue and Margaret, along with many nieces and nephews.

JD loved God, his wife Judy, family, friends, golf, and his dog, Bogey, to the fullest. Let there be no doubt, he loved with his whole heart in everything he did throughout his fun-filled 74 years of life.

JD grew up in Oak Cliff, or as he taught his daughters to say, “Oak Cliff … Oh”, because there was a time if you told someone you grew up in Oak Cliff they would say “Oh.” JD approached life with humor and had many friends growing up who remained life-long friends, including his daughters’ stepfather, Roy McGown, who JD affectionately called his husband-in-law. Even though JD and his first wife, Diane McGown were divorced, JD remained close and provided support to Diane and her family, which speaks to his huge heart and loyal spirit.

JD faced many medical trials in his life, yet he approached each one with courage and tenacity. He constantly said, “it could be a lot worse”, and was continually thankful for what he could still do, including playing golf with a group lovingly called the Cartel.

During his last few days, JD was a source of strength and courage to his family who were inspired by his sense of humor, wit and ability to accept his fate with grace. One of the family’s most precious memories of JD’s final days was when they stood around his bedside as he led them in song and sang, “Try a Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding. While his voice was not the strongest in volume, he was clearly the “leader of the pack” . . . as was so often true during his lifetime.

The family is extremely grateful for sweet Caroline sent by Vitas Hospice to care for JD in his final hours at home.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Presbyterian Church located at 7020 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75214. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SPCA of Texas.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Rev. 21:4

Arrangements under the direction of Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home, Dallas, TX.