James “Jim” Horace Davis, 96, of Newton, North Carolina, died on January 16, 2026. He was born in Boaz, Alabama, on December 8, 1929, to Lowell Clint Davis and Della Brown. He grew up in Toccoa, Georgia. He played multiple sports in high school and proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
He worked for Overnite Transportation in Georgia, Alabama, and finally in Hickory, NC. He was active in First Methodist Church of Conover. He and his wife, Jeanette, loved traveling all over the United States in their motorhome. His heart was in volunteer service. He was a leader on the church building team, rebuilding homes after natural disasters all over the Southeast. He was proudly part of the local Habitat for Humanity work team, served as an AARP Tax preparer for 20 years and as a volunteer for ECCCM (now Ashure Ministries), and was a certified Master Gardener.
Most of all, he loved his family. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 72 years, Frances Jeanette Jacobs Davis; daughter, Janice Hager and husband, Jeffrey; grandchildren, Craig Davis and wife, Leslie, Allison Jackson and husband, Patrick; great-grandchildren, Auburn and Ivy Davis; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jim Davis, Jr.; and his six brothers and sisters.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2:30 pm, Sunday, January 25, 2026, at First Methodist Church Conover with Reverend John Woods officiating. Receiving of friends will follow in the Family Life Center.
His family would like to thank James’ wonderful caregivers at Abernathy Laurels.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ashure Ministries at 245 East N St, Newton, NC 28658; Habitat for Humanity at 102 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601; and First Methodist Church Conover at 410 1st Ave N, Conover, NC 28613.
Condolences may be left at www.drumfh-conover.com
The Davis Family is under the care of Drum Funeral Home
