James E Davenport

James “Jim” was born in Boonton, NJ to William and Olive Davenport on September 17, 1926. Both he and his future wife, Barbara “Bobbi” attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA graduating in 1950 and 1952 respectively. They were married on February 18, 1956 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

During the summer of 1944, Jim entered Navy flight training at 17 years of age. He remained in flight school up until the war ended. After his service, Jim worked in the aeronautical industry for 40 years before “retiring” to start his own Patent & Trademark research company.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Wall Davenport, his brother William Sherwood Davenport, his second wife, Janet Nelson Davenport and stepson Craig Alfred Nelson.

He was an early member of Immanual Presbyterian Church of Mclean and joined Charles Wesley United Methodist church later in life with Janet. Having learned to fly in the Navy, Jim purchased a Cessna 172 in the 1970’s and continued his passion for flying for many years thereafter.

James is survived by his three children, James Jr (Lisa) of Cross Hill, SC, Raymond (Shelley) of Great Falls, VA and Kimberly Fruin (Mike) of Lititz, PA. Jim is also survived by Janet’s three children Karen Harriman (Robert), daughter in Law Alison Nelson & Mark Nelson. From the combined families of both Bobbi and Janet, Jim had 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family of Jim Davenport would like to thank Sunrise of McLean Village and Capital Caring Hospice for their loving care.

A funeral service for James will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042, followed by a graveside service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.