1st Sgt. James P. Davis, USMC , retired, 78, of Cross Lanes, formerly of Garretts Bend, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 26, 2006.
He was born March 24, 1928 in Fayette County to Joseph “Jodie” and Delphia Davis. Following graduation from Duval High School in Lincoln County in 1945, he served a short stint in the Navy, serving in World War II. He later joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam. At the time of his retirement, he was a first sergeant, Military Police and Guard Company at Camp Lejeune, NC. During his service, he was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars with Combat “V”. Upon retirement from the military, James was employed by Logan Concrete in Logan, until 1990. In later years, he was also an active member of the Bennie Padilla VFW Post 4768 of Alum Creek.
He was a faithful member of Elizabeth Baptist Church, Garretts Bend, where he loved singing in the choir. In recent years he also attended the Tyler Mountain Baptist Church, Cross Lanes. James was also an avid golfer and devoted family man.
Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Edwin; daughter, Kimberlee McLaughlin; first wife, Phyllis “Fib” Parsons Davis; brothers, John W. Davis and Joseph “Jr.” Davis; sister, Cleo Pauley and grandson, Brian Berkery.
He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Ann Davis; brother, Jack Richard and wife, Kay of Garretts Bend; sisters, Margie Stover of King, NC; Janet Paul and husband, Bob of Georgiana, AL; sons, Bill Davis and wife, Cathy of Mason, Steve Hannah of Hilliards, PA; daughters, Joanna Valleau and husband, John of Cross Lanes; Debi Berkery and husband, Larry of Sarasota, FL,
Terri Del Giudice and husband, Michael of South Charleston, Jamie Lea Peyton and husband, George of Louisville, KY.
He was the loving grandfather to Brandon and Frank Del Giudice of South Charleston; Justin and Lindsay Valleau of Greensboro, NC; Brandi Sparks of Burlington, KY; Krista McLaughlin of St. Albans; Megan Davis of Huntington and Scott Berkery of Sarasota, FL. Great-grandchildren are Taylor Gagliard of Boston, MA and Benjamin Valleau of Greensboro, NC.
Services will be held Saturday, April 29, 2006 at 2:00 PM at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek, WV with Pastor Jackie Miller officiating. Military graveside rites will be performed by the Bennie Padilla VFW Post 4768. Friends may call on Friday, April 28th from 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Paul Cemetery in Garretts Bend.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Kanawha Hospice Care, 1143 Dunbar Ave., Dunbar, WV 25064. The family would like to express their appreciation to their many friends and to Kanawha Hospice for their support during Mr. Davis’ illness.