James Dinsmore Davis

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Gretchen Cuyle Davis, daughter Jennifer Lael Davis, granddaughter Caitlin Cuyle Parrott (Laney), grandson Jackson Davis Anduha, and his great-grandson, August Davis Parrott.

Jim was wholly devoted to his family and loved his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and his new great-grandson beyond measure.

Jim grew up in Syracuse, New York, raised by his grandmother Jennie (d. 1979). He graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Forestry. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service specializing in entomology then went on to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves. Jim combined his interests and talents when he started work at the National Wildlife Federation in their publishing division. As Senior Vice President, he spearheaded important initiatives that make a difference to this day, including the publication of the Ranger Rick and Big Backyard children’s magazines, the conservation summit program, and more. He spent the later years of his publishing career at Consumers Union, contributing to Consumers Report publications.

Jim had a wide range of hobbies and projects, keeping true to one of his Jim-adages, “busy hands make happy hearts.” Foremost were those he did with Gretchen. These included his love of antiques and helping at Gretchen’s antique shop and bed and breakfast, Lion and the Lamb, serving as president of the East Berlin Pennsylvania Historic Society where he aided in various home preservation projects, perfecting their beautiful 19th century home in East Berlin, singing along to musicals, and most Jim-of all, going to the grocery store daily just to chat with the neighbors, something he loved to do, to the often befuddlement of his wife.

He loved dogs, particularly standard poodles, and found himself throughout most of his life surrounded by women - his wife, daughter, granddaughter, and all female dogs! We are sure he felt some relief when his grandson, Jackson, came along.

His youthful nature, strength, and persistence shone through, never more evident than when he spent his 80th birthday skiing, one of his favorite pastimes which he passed down and enjoyed with his daughter.

Jim spent his last years by his wife’s side as she battled Alzheimer's disease, his devotion to her never wavering. He enjoyed time with his family and relished in the pride he felt in his beloved daughter and her accomplishments.

Jim was boisterous, protective, curious, and eloquent. He was a sharp dresser, a bit of a klutz, a private person who’d love to ask you 99 questions about your life while sharing little of his own. He loved being a father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather. He was honest to a fault, witty, and fun and we will miss him.

A celebration of his life and visitation will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jim’s name to any of the following: The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, the East Berlin Community Library, the Alzheimer's Association.