In 1965, Jim received a degree in sociology from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and marched into Montgomery with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1967 he added a master’s degree in social work from Atlanta University. His commitment to society now focused, he set out to manifest his vision of Dr. King’s dream and to champion the importance of appreciating and respecting the uniqueness of each individual.
This commitment guided him as he held executive positions in the nonprofit, public and private sectors; an accomplishment few others can claim. It was also apparent in his long and active membership in the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
His dedication called him to serve as a passionate advocate and activist in the community. He moved easily between diverse groups, collaborating with leaders from many backgrounds on a variety of social and community issues. Nobody truly knows how many volunteer efforts, nonprofit organizations and public boards on which he served, but they were many. His commitment to the community was as authentic and generous as he was personally.
He had the ability to embrace the big picture and not let it go. His efforts often created significant change and he did this without sacrificing his character.
Jim had great internal strength and demanded excellence of himself. He did not shy away from problems and continually stayed centered on core issues. He was intelligent, affable, hard headed and memorable.
The devotion he brought to his professional and volunteer life was also reflected in his many friendships. He would invest himself in your life as a coach, mentor, big brother or in whatever capacity you needed him. You could trust him with your triumphs, sorrows and challenges. He had more best friends than most of us have friends.
He was a man of faith who lived, not only with conviction, but also with empathy; not only with confidence, but also with humility; and not only with enthusiasm, but also with grace. In this and many other ways, he greatly influenced many people over the course of his life.
While he loved his children, Kimberly and James deeply, his purest joy was his granddaughters; Quinn Elliott Davis, Sloane Grenville Davis, Mia Rose Miller and Maci Grace Miller.
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