James Arthur Davis Jr.

James was born March 9, 1939, in Walla Walla, WA. He passed away after a short illness on April 6, 2017, in West Covina, CA. James was the only boy and had 5 sisters. His family moved to Bakersfield in 1945. As a young boy, he worked mowing lawns and delivering newspapers. During his teenage years, he worked at Michener's Drive-In. In his school years, he excelled in art and swimming. James was a 1958 graduate of EBHS.

James joined the Marine Corps Reserve Unit while in high school and later served in the Marine Corps. He was proud to be a Marine.

James married Sue (Meeks) in Las Vegas, NV, in 1962. They had two children; a son J. Arthur Davis III and a daughter Tawnya. James was active with the Cub Scouts and Webelos, and also coached Greenfield Baseball for 2 years.

James worked for Montgomery Wards for over 20 years with his last position as Receiving, Shipping Warehouse manager. James started a new adventure in 1979 when he purchased a fast food drive-in; in Arvin, CA. His (son) Art joined him after college and they ran Big Bear Drive-In until it sold in Sept. 2004. Retirement days he spent a lot of time with his grandson, Eric. Any activity, practice or game, Papa was there for Eric. James was always there for his family and had the gift of gab for everyone he met.

James is survived by his wife Sue; son Art (fiancee Candy Martinez); daughter Tawnya (Larry) Murcavitch; grandson Eric. Sisters Geraldine (Robert) Baldwin; Marilyn (Jim) Thiessen; Dorothy (Jim) Brown and many nieces and nephews. James is preceded in death by his parents, James Arthur Davis Sr. and Alene (Wimmer) Davis; two sisters, Margaret Peters and Ellen Davis; and mother-in-law, Bernice Meeks.

Special appreciation to Dr. Emmanuel Strategos, Dr. Nirav Desai, and Dr. Mark Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary at 9101 Kern Canyon Road, on Friday, April 21, 2017. Viewing from 1-2:30 pm and Graveside service at 3 pm.

Arrangements under the direction of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, Bakersfield, CA.