James E. Davenport

James E. Davenport passed away December 5, 2019 at the VA hospital in Columbia, MO. A visitation will be held Sunday December 22, 2019 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm followed by a funeral service at 4:00 pm, both at Memorial Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Monday December 23, 2019 at Columbia Cemetery.

James was born in Mosley, VA on September 7, 1924 to Alfred and Gertrude (Dudley) Davenport. He served in the Navy as a seaman First Class in WWII and survived 10 major battles at sea. He was the last known survivor of the 1257 men that served on the USS Miami. James later attended the University of Miami and went on to become a senior underwriter for Shelter Insurance.

James married Nancy Forbis on September 2, 1953 in Silver Spring, Maryland and they went on to have 2 daughters together. Growing up, he enjoyed spending time with his 5 siblings and as an adult he loved woodworking and carpentry as well as playing cards and dominos. He also loved being outdoors and took joy in gardening, camping, canoeing, and winning skeet shooting tournaments. James was an avid trout fisherman and there were many times when he was the only person catching trout off of Whistlers Bridge at Bennett Springs.

James and Nancy loved square dancing and belonged to several clubs including the Huffs and Puffs and the Star Reacher’s. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was the longest serving elected commissioner for the PWSD No. 9.

James lived a long and full life. He was well respected and loved by his family and community.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, parents, and brothers, Alfred, Ralph, Harrell, and Hamlet. James is survived by his sister, June, who is 92 and lives out of state; daughters, Sherry Miller and Husband Greg and Pamela Tillotson and husband Bill, all of Columbia; grandchildren, Robin Gray, Seth Miller, Megan Miller, JD Tillotson, and Kristopher Tillotson; and great-grandchildren, Hunter, Dane, and Evan Gray.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.