James Joseph Davies

It is with saddened hearts, that we announce that our dad, James Joseph Davies passed away from COVID-19 on Saturday, August 15.  He was 83.  A simple man, his greatest joy in life was his family. If it were up to him, he would have spent every waking moment with us.  Family get-togethers were what he lived for. And if you were lucky enough to be included in a Davies get-together, copious amounts of beer and laughing until your cheeks hurt was always a given.  Ever lighthearted and caring, he genuinely lived his life like the quote, “Be the reason someone smiles today”. He had an infectious charm and quick wit and truly left a mark on every person that he met.

His second favorite love was flying. He was an avid pilot and loved to be in the air. He owned a Piper Cub airplane and would give plane rides to anyone who wanted one. Getting married and having children may have curtailed him from flying much, but his love for the air stayed with him all his life.  Many a summer was spent at the EAA Convention, walking around for hours, listening to him talk about all the planes and seeing the sheer look of enjoyment and love he had for the craft.

Later in life, he discovered a passion for acting and appeared in many of Dan’s movies.  He put his heart and soul into every character he portrayed, whether he was playing a drug addicted mortician, an alcoholic crime photographer or even just sitting at a table eating yogurt while the credits ran at the end of the movie, he absolutely loved it and beamed with pride when talking about it.

He is survived by his loving children, Therese Flaherty, Dan Davies (Katherine Schuster), Pete Davies, Kathy Davies (Todd Lauritzen) and Matt Davies (April); his grandchildren, Steven Ripp (Linda), Christopher Ripp, Jordan Davies, Brennen Davies and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Margaret Davies; his brothers, Richard, David and Daniel Davies; our mom, Elizabeth Jane Davies, who he loved till the day he died; and his precious, beautiful granddaughter, Ella Shine Lauritzen Davies.

At present, given the restrictions with the pandemic, there will be no memorial service. But please join us in lifting up a glass in honor of our dad.  In lieu of flowers or donations, all we ask is that you continue the fight to limit the spread of this virus. Wear a mask. Keep socially distant and please, take it seriously. Keeping others safe for a little inconvenience should be an easy choice.

Fly high Dad. Until we see you again...

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Joseph Davies, please visit our floral store.