We regret to inform the Beta family of the recent passing of a brother. He will be remembered and missed by many. Read his obituary below.
James Robert Davis Sr. “Sam” ’56, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away suddenly on February 17, 2012, with his beloved wife Alice by his side. He was born August 21, 1934 in Columbus to Robert C. and Vivian M. Davis. He attended Upper Arlington High School (class of 1952), and continued his education at the Ohio State University, graduating in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. There he met Alice and they were married in 1956, after which they moved to Boston, Massachusetts where Jim served in the U.S. Navy until 1958, playing for the Navy golf team. Jim was a past president of Gates McDonald, James R. Davis & Associates, and an executive with BancInsurance. His community services include serving on the board of the Ronald McDonald House, chairing the Buckeye Ranch board (formerly Buckeye Boys Ranch) and the Ranch tennis tournament, serving as Beta Theta Pi chapter advisor and on the house board, marshalling the UA 4th of July Parade, participating in UA Rotary, coaching Optimist basketball, and was currently volunteering at Riverside Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Alice Vincent Davis; son, James Robert Davis Jr. (Susan) of Houston, Texas and Dana Point, California; son, Jeffrey Purcell Davis (Lisa) of Columbus, Ohio; daughter, Crissy Davis Roach of Columbus, Ohio; daughter, Lindy Davis Kelly (Bob) of Winnetka, Illinois; sister, Linda Davis Huffman (Dan) of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Palm Beach, Florida; brothers-in-law, Alex Vincent of Princeton, New Jersey and Jack Bossert of Atlanta, Georgia; and grandchildren, Thaddeus Davis, Alexandra Davis, Trey Davis, Jeffrey Davis, Greer Davis, Wesley Davis, Vivi Roach, Abigail Kelly, Parker Davis, Lucy Kelly, Charlotte Kelly, and Audrey Kelly.
Family was the most important thing in his life and helping others gave him great joy, and in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations may be made to: UA Grace Benevolence Fund, 4065 Kenny Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220.
Calling hours will be held at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221 from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, February 24.
A memorial service will be held at UA Grace Brethren, 4065 Kenny Road in Upper Arlington at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 25. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences and share memories.
