Obituary of James W. Davis

James W. Davis, Jr. 84, of Madison, a longtime area funeral director, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2008 at home, with his loving family by his side. He was born July 30, 1923, in Utica, the son of James W. and Ruth Grandy Davis Sr. Jim graduated from UFA, Simmons Institute of Funeral Service and studied at Colgate and Chapel Hill. He served his country in the US Navy as a radio operator in Guam during WWII. He was married to Jean L. Broley, until her death in 2006. Jim worked as a fireman for the railroad for many years and then became a funeral director, owning and operating funeral homes in Madison and Oriskany Falls. He was a compassionate and respected funeral director, well-known within his profession for his artistic ability in restoration work. Jim was deeply involved with his communities and was a member of many local organizations including the Madison American Legion. He was famous for his sense of humor and his poetry and could usually be found at his second home - Seven Oaks Golf Club. Jims love for music and performing were evident. He was especially proud of his performance with the Corsairs on the Arthur Godfrey Show. He starred in many productions with the Players of Utica and was the founder and director of the Interfaith Community Chorus. He is survived by six daughters, one son and their spouses, Ruth and Dan Hines of CA, James W. Davis III and Patty of Madison, Heather and Richard Reyes of MA, Susan Bacon of KY, Jeanie and Frank Zebert of Vernon Center, Kimberley and Tom Kilts of Oriskany Falls and Kerry Super and Dante Ruia of Deansboro; 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and many wonderful friends including The Burglars. He was predeceased by his wife, Jean and a daughter Carolyn in 1991. Friends are invited to call (today) Tuesday, July 29, 2008 from 2-4 and 7-9pm at 242 Main St. Oriskany Falls (the old funeral home). Private services will be held Wednesday for the family with burial in Madison Village Cemetery. The family thanks Joanne Diehl, his special angel, for all of her love and the personal care given to Jim and his family. Please consider donations to Alzheimers Assoc. of CNY, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204 or Multiple Sclerosis Resources of CNY, Inc., PO Box 237, E. Syracuse, NY 13057