James E. Davis

James Edward Davis of Nixa, Missouri, passed away on May 3, 2025. He was born in Peoria, Illinois, on June 01, 1935, to John and Geneva Davis.

Jim spent time growing up in Pawnee, Westchester, and later Downers Grove, Illinois. He enlisted in the US NAVY in 1952. His dream was to be a Navy salvage diver, and he eventually qualified. He was transferred to Special Support Activities Naval Fleet, set to go for divers training in Bayonne, New Jersey. Later, he discovered his diver’s school was crossed out and read "Korea". His Special Support Activities Naval Unit was stationed in Inchon and attached to the 8th Army out of Seoul.

After an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he married Carol Cox in 1957. He had a daughter, Vickie, in 1958 and later a son, Donnie, in 1962. During this time, he managed a service station in La Grange Park, Illinois—Jim's Enco.

He saw an article in the Chicago Tribune about a Skydive Club forming. He quickly became member #13 and jumped from 1959 to 1966. He jumped in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin - logging 112 jumps. After a severe hip injury, it was time to stop. Many hip replacements would follow for decades to come.

In 1964, he married Elizabeth (Betty) Exner and had another daughter, Susan, in 1965, and later another son, Jimmy, in 1971. He joined United Airlines at Chicago O'Hare in 1966 and attended College of DuPage. He later purchased a house in Lombard, Illinois, and renovated it during the day, while working midnights, and caring for his family.

He transferred to United Airlines at Denver Stapleton Airport in 1976. The family moved to Arvada and later out farther to Elizabeth, Colorado. An 84-mile-a-day round trip, never late to work, and never complained - (maybe a little). Living in the middle of nowhere, he built a pole barn, corral, and added a horse and a goat. He filled a yard full of trees and landscaping around it. On days off, the family would do outdoor activities and go up to the mountains. There were many trips to shopping malls, restaurants, and amusement parks along the way.

Retiring from United Airlines in 1982, he moved the family back to Illinois so Betty could care for her mother. He was an avid high school wrestling supporter with Jim and loved the outdoors. He joined maintenance at North Central College in Naperville, IL, and later became service coordinator there.

In 1987, he received an extensive seventh total hip replacement and retired from North Central College in 1989. He was deeply involved in Jim's cancer treatment during this time as well. Moving to Nixa, Missouri, in 1990, he helped take care of his mother, Geneva, in Forsyth for several years. He helped Betty with her collectibles business and tirelessly fought for his son’s life.

He decided to get into rental property in 1991 and had them for nearly 25 years. Friends, family, working in the yard, and going to church were always priorities. In 2005, he got his final skydive #113 for his birthday! He was a member of American Legion Post #434, VFW Post #7628, and belonged to Hinsdale Masonic Lodge #934 for over 60 years.

In 2016, he lost his leg to an infected prosthesis and would spend several years in a wheelchair. He was also involved in all aspects of Betty's cancer fight until her passing in 2020. When Jim took on the role as caregiver for him, they went everywhere together and were known as Jim and Jim. He was involved in everything and missed out on nothing. He always looked up at the clouds, and skydiving was with him for the rest of his life.

We thank everyone who knew him for the love and compassion they gave. We thank all the people who thanked him for his service. We thank everyone who helped enrich his life and bring him happiness. He is a profound loss for our family.

He was a good Husband, Father, and Friend. He will be in our hearts forever.

Jim is survived by his children: Vickie, Donnie, Susan, and Jim Jr.; four grandchildren: Mikel Roberson, Shane Roberson, Leigh Moody, and Brandi Jackson; five great grandchildren: Ronald Moody, Kaleigh Moody, Brianna Purcell, Bradley Roberson, and Destiny Roberson; four great-great grandchildren: Caleigh, Madison, Brooklyn, and Ronald IV. His brother

Larry (Barb) Davis and their children's families are also survived. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Betty, and two brothers, Jackie and Dean Davis.

The family will be holding a memorial service at 10:00 am, Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Aldersgate Church of Nixa, Missouri. Military Honors will take place after the service. 

Cremation rites will be accorded by Adams Crematory, and arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, Missouri.