James W Davis passed away January 3, 2019 at Avalon Care Center in Federal Way. James was born to Ola Towery Davis and Leo Davis December 12, 1926 in Shirley, Arkansas. James left home at an early age to join the Youth Corps. He enlisted in the Navy in 1945 for two years and served as a water tender 3rd class aboard the USS Anne Arundel. This was followed by a 20 year career as a machinist and instructor in the U.S. Army. He participated in the Army Rifle team and was awarded with many first place trophies. He met and married his wife Anna B. Davis in Germany while serving overseas.
Throughout his military career he was stationed in Germany several times. During those years James became well known in the German hunter circle around the Nuremberg region. He would hunt with the locals who became lifelong friends. On his last trip he met two 65 year old men that recognized him from when they were 10-12 years old. These young men would make noise to chase the wild boar or rabbits towards the hunters.
James continued to travel to Germany on a regular basis to visit life friends and family. He was 88 years old when he made his last hunting trip to Germany. James retired from the military Sergeant First Class and moved his family to Port Townsend because his army buddy Marty Martinez received the Port Townsend Leader in Germany. This looked like everything James wanted for his family. Beautiful scenery, nice climate, hunting, fishing, and military medical services nearby. James worked at the Mill before starting his own business. He had the Shell station in Hadlock and then Jim’s Small Engine Repair located on Sims Way in PT. Jim sold the business and spent his retirement traveling, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.
He was an active member of Jefferson County Sportsman Club, the NRA, Puget Sound Anglers, VFW, and American Legion. James lived in Port Townsend until the family moved him to Covington WA in March of 2018 to live with his grandson Jim, his wife Xuyen, and two great grandsons Justin and Aidan. This was a special time for James. He was able to go fishing, participate in family celebrations, and share stories for the past several months. James is survived by his brother Charles Davis, living in Hollister CA. Daughters Claudia Cerenzie, Seattle WA., Vera Crocker, Kingston WA., Grandsons Jim Cerenzie, Covington WA, Sean Crocker, Kingston WA., Granddaughter Stephanie Redbird, Great Granddaughters Sonya and Caroline Redbird, Great Grandsons Justin and Aidan Cerenzie.
Funeral services are scheduled at Kosec Funeral Home, 1615 Parkside Dr Port Townsend, on Saturday January 19, 2019 at 11:00 am. Followed by a military graveside service at Fort Worden Cemetery 1398 W St, Port Townsend. at 12:30 pm.
