James "Jim" R. Davis

On November 5, 2024, James R Davis, of Murray Utah—and also a longtime resident of Leona Valley, California—passed away peacefully at the age of 89.

For 63 years, Jim Davis, was a loving husband to his devoted and beautiful wife Diane. He was also an endearing and wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who was known tenderly as “Papa-Jim” by the youngest members of his family.

Jim spent his childhood growing up in Ohio—born from parents Jess and Helen Davis, on February 12, 1935 in Dayton. At an early age his family moved to California, where he finished High School as his family settled.

Having graduated, Jim proudly served his country by enlisting in the Naval Reserves for a short period, and then soon after enlisted and served in the United States Army, 1st Cavalry, from 1954 to 1957. During this time he was stationed in both Japan and California. He loved to share his many stories and memories during this time, including his experience in Japan on Mount Fuji where he often let us know it’s a place where “he had never been colder”. Upon the completion of his service Jim met Diane—his forever love and soulmate.

During this period in Jim’s early life he began working as a machinist, and having greatly excelled in such a technical and difficult field, decided to start his own business. Working alongside his father, brother, and son-in-law, he created a prosperous life for him and his family fabricating and building highly precise machined parts—many of which were contracted by several high profile contractors. Simply said, Jim was nothing but extraordinarily talented not only in the execution of precision machining and business ownership, but also being able to do both while providing for and raising an incredible family of six.

Jim’s passions included a wide scope of tasteful interests and hobbies. He was a lifelong lover of Golf, and enjoyed sharing his artistic talents with those he loved through his expressive painting skills. Jim was a devout Christian who loved the Lord. He is now at peace in the Lord’s loving arms with his daughter Christie and son Tom.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Christie Waters, son Tom Davis, his parents, his two brothers, and sister.

Jim is survived by his daughters Terri (William) Kramer, Carolyn Faulkner, son-in-law Steven Waters, daughter-in-law Lisa Davis, grandchildren Rachael (Nicholas) Pia, Jake (Ashley) Faulkner, Michael (Tina) Faulkner, Jeffrey Kramer, Katelin Herrera, Quinn Waters, Tessa Waters, and six great-grandchildren, David, Leon, Laney, Rocco, Giovanni, and Ezra.