James F. Davis
James “Jim” Francis Davis, son of Luther and Della Davis, passed away Monday, April 5th, in the Strafford Care Center at the age of 90. Jim was born April 27th in Morrisville and spent his early life in Protem, Mo, where he grew up quickly; hunting and fishing, to contribute towards feeding his large family during the Great Depression. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Frieda June Davis, whom he married in March 1941; both parents; 4 brothers;6 sisters; and one son, James F Davis, Jr,. He is survived by sons, Calvin, and wife, Nancy Davis of Fair Grove, Mo, and Steven, and wife Ann Davis of Tampa, Fla., daughters Connie, and husband Lewis Clare of Tampa, FL, and Judy, and husband Bill Stanfill of Willard, Mo., also 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Jim, was a Veteran of both World War II, serving as an island scout for the US Marines in the South Pacific, and the Korean Conflict, where he earned a Purple Heart. Jim learned the fundamentals of masonry from his father and within the Civilian Conservation Corp. (CCC). He utilized these skills within his company, James F. Davis Masonry Construction Co, to provide stone and brick work for many landmark residences and businesses in the Springfield area. Jim’s many hobbies, most involving the outdoors, included photography, hunting, fishing, writing (several articles published in the News-Leader section of “Over the Ozarks”), woodworking, and ham radio operation. Jim’s love of life and family, depth of integrity, creative talent, and continuous sense of wonder and curiosity make him a defining member of “The Greatest Generation”. The family held a private memorial in Jim’s memory.