James "Jim" Davern

James “Jim” Davern, 86, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. He was born on July 4, 1939, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and later made Arlington his home for more than 40 years.

Jim retired from Jack Cooper Transport after 30 years of dedicated service, where he worked loading new cars from the General Motors plant onto trains and trucks for distribution. A proud and active union steward, Jim was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, and camaraderie with his fellow workers.

Those who knew Jim will remember his fun-loving spirit, his sharp sense of style—always “dressed to the nines”—and his love for dancing to live music. It was on Valentine’s Night in 2015 that Jim met Betty Hanna, his beloved wife and dance partner. Their shared love of music and dancing blossomed into a beautiful relationship that continued to bring joy and laughter to their lives.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Diana Davern, who he made promise that she would “save a space on her dance card in heaven for him.” He is also preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Davern; his sisters Mary Loretta, Joan, and Maureen; his brothers Howard, Ronald, Raymond, David, and Kenneth; and his daughter Marcy.

He is survived by his sons Scott, John, and Jason, his daughter Mara, and his loving (and loved) wife Betty Hanna. Jim was a generous man who deeply loved his family and extended family, keeping them close in his heart and in his daily prayers.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the care team at Dallas Methodist Hospital for the compassion and attentive care they provided during Jim’s time of need.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim’s life at a Memorial Mass and Ceremony to be held at:

Visitation with family will be held on, Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, 4216 S. Bowen Rd, Arlington, TX 76016.

Memorial Mass / Funeral Service will be held on, Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 at 9:00 AM at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, 4216 S. Bowen Rd, Arlington, TX 76016, with interment to follow at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Elks Lodge #2114 in memory of Jim.

Jim’s warmth, humor, and loving spirit will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.