James Stewart Davis

1924 - 2017

James Stewart Davis obituary, 1924-2017, Belfair, WA

FUNERAL HOME

Powers Funeral Home

320 West Pioneer Avenue

Puyallup, Washington

James Davis Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 13, 2017.

James (Jim) Davis peacefully passed on March 10, 2017 when he finally rejoined the one and only love of his life, Nancy Lou Challman Davis, after nearly 24 years without her by his side. His 92 years of life were best exemplified by his unwavering devotion to his wife, five children, and the generation of grandchildren and great grandchildren that have followed. A master with words, wit, and tone, he would boast with pride about all of his children graduating from the University of Washington and there "not being a deadbeat in the bunch" when describing the continued success of his family.

Jim Davis was born in Tacoma, Washington on October 22, 1924 to Stewart and Aurabelle Davis. His childhood was spent in North Tacoma where he attended Lowell Elementary and Mason Junior High before spending his high school years at the iconic Stadium High School. Prior to his graduation in 1943, a young Jim Davis lettered on the football field and wrestling mat, while still finding time to perform in the school's drama productions. One who was short in stature, but big in personality, Jim was loved and respected by his classmates and was honored to represent all of them as the Student Body President.
This dedication to service called for Jim Davis to join the U.S. Army immediately following his graduation in June 1943 where he proudly served in WWII for the 335th Infantry 89th Division until April of 1946. His time in the army allowed him to see the world and make lifelong friends; but most importantly, laid the foundation for an appreciation of life, love, family, and the concept of home.

Having already lived a life robust with adventure, Jim returned stateside and enrolled in Washington State College and joined a second brotherhood as a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Never being one to fear the unknown, he took a chance on a blind date, where he met Nancy Challman. After graduating Washington State in 1948, Jim Davis attended the University of Washington to gauge his interest in law, but he ultimately left with a love of Husky Football and season tickets that he held for 50 years.

Yet his love for purple and gold was no match for that of Nancy Challman whom he married on September 8, 1950. With life and now love in hand, Jim Davis began building his long desired family right alongside his career with the United States Government. His exemplary 36 years of service was first with the Internal Revenue Service, and mostly with Social Security Administration. As he was serving the Agency with loyalty and skill, his dedication took him to Baltimore, Maryland (1958-1960) where he realized that the concept of home would always be in the Pacific Northwest.
Jim and Nancy finally settled in Bellingham, Washington along scenic Chuckanut Drive in 1960, where they stayed until his retirement in 1984. Throughout their time, his love for the outdoors paired perfectly with his role as a Boy Scout Leader to all of those in the community. It was in Bellingham where his green thumb was free to garden, his affinity for digging clams realized, and the joys of catching Dungeness crab and eating the fruits of his labor was fulfilled. And after a long day outdoors, he could often be found watching his beloved Seattle Mariners right alongside his children with a trip to the Kingdome always embedded in the family plans.

Eventually, the family plans turned into a couple's plan and with an empty house, but a full heart, Jim and Nancy settled on the waterfront in Victor, Washington where Nancy Challman Davis eventually passed on April 22, 1993. Still, his appreciation for life, love, family, and the concept of home lived on. Jim Davis began to fill his life and home with poker gatherings and bridge parties, while fulfilling his role as the Treasurer for the Victor Improvement Club until 2013. His legacy and stories were shared with strangers who became friends on cruises and on Montlake at Husky Stadium with grandchildren.

Jim's infectious personality spread far beyond his family and was positively apparent with all of those he came across. He will always be known as a pillar of strength, the embodiment of generosity, and a shining example of compassion for others. Always one to provide a hearty laugh, a radiant smile, or a self-deprecating joke, Jim was still able to light up a room with his wit, even as his body began to fail.

During his life, Jim was loved by all, and in his passing, he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his children Jim Jr., Laurie (Brian), Mark (Sarah), Barbara (Dave), and Tom (Nora); grandchildren Jeff (Sarah), Andy (Caroline), Toni (Eric), \Matthew (Carrie), T.J., Jimmy Jr. (Nancy), Chelsea, Ryan, Sean, and Nancy; and great grandchildren Finn, Tiffany, Madelyn, and Naomi. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, along with many other friends and relatives.
Please join the family for a celebration of Jim's life to be held at the Fircrest Golf and Country Club (1500 Regents Blvd. Fircrest, WA) on Saturday, March 18th at 1:00 PM.

Jim's interment will be at the Sumner City Cemetery.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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March 14, 2017

May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11

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Memorial Events
for James Davis

Mar

18

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Fircrest Golf and Country Club

1500 Regents Blvd., Fircrest, WA

Funeral services provided by:

Powers Funeral Home

320 West Pioneer Avenue, Puyallup, WA 98371

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