James L. Davis

James L. Davis, 95, died on Sunday, May 7, 2023, after a brief illness just a few weeks shy of his 96th birthday. He was born on May 27, 1927, to Ralph and Lillian Davis. James attended Muncie city schools. The arc of Jim's life began one week after Charles Lindbergh flew the Spirit of St. Louis on the first solo, non-stop flight across the Atlantic; his childhood spanned the Great Depression. He served in the United States Navy during the closing months of World War II and later in the Merchant Marines. He went on to watch men walk on the moon and live in space. He never owned a computer or a mobile phone. He was a vibrant member of the Greatest Generation and an enduring role model for his family. He retired after thirty years working for Westinghouse Large Power Transformer Division in Muncie. Jim married the love of his life, Phyllis (Swearingen) in Muncie in 1951. Survivors include his children, Timothy, Jeffrey (Brenda), and Laura Davis; grandchildren, Jeremy, Jason (Laura), Jacob (Jessica) Davis, and Jamie (Adam) Boyatt; great- grandchildren, Isaac and Amelia Davis (Champaign, Illinois), Reagan and Blake Davis, Hazel and Grey Boyatt; a sister-in-law, Patricia Swearingen, along with many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. His parents; all seven of his siblings; and his wife, Phyllis (2005), preceded him in death. Asked often for his secret to such a long-life lived independently to the very end all we can say is he took a daily nap, quit smoking when he was 55, enjoyed fishing, Falls City beer, and was always surrounded by family who he loved and who cherished him. He will be laid to rest next to his wife in Elm Ridge Memorial Park, and according to his final wishes, there will be no services. Elm Ridge Funeral Home was entrusted with his arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.elmridgefuneralhome.com.