James Robert Davis, Sr.

James Robert Davis, Sr. (Jim) of Birmingham, Alabama, born December 12, 1945 to James Barnett and Bobbie Helms Davis, passed away December 19, 2019. Jim is survived by his wife of 44 years, Joanne Gilmore Davis, their son James Robert Davis, Jr. (Kimberly Hurst), and grandchildren James (Jamey) Robert Davis, IV and Joseph Alexander Davis. He led a full life marked by kindness and generosity and was above all else a constant and loving husband, devoted father, and doting grandfather.

Jim attended Birmingham University School and Indian Springs School, where he won an award from the French Government for his French poetry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English at Tulane University where he performed with The Tulanians choral group and was an active member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He attended the University of Alabama School of Law before serving his country during the Vietnam Conflict as an Intelligence Officer. He learned to speak fluent Vietnamese and was assigned as an advisor and liaison between local Vietnamese officials and the U.S. Army. He earned a Bronze Star and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. Thereafter, he returned to law school at UA and earned his Juris Doctorate (JD) and Master of Laws (LLM), during which time he was a member of the Alabama Law Review. He was a member of the Alabama State Bar for over 40 years. Early in his career, he used his professional talents to assist refugees of Vietnam in attaining their U.S. citizenship. He practiced Real Estate Law for many years and was a respected Land Professional. He also taught Real Property and Federal Taxation at the Birmingham School of Law.

Jim possessed many talents and interests. He was a published poet and enjoyed reading and writing poetry in English, French, and Spanish. He was a lover of classical and folk music and played violin, guitar, banjo, and piano. He was an amateur radio operator and enthusiast from a young age and was active in local and regional events. He also obtained a pilot’s license, enjoyed woodworking, fly fishing, gardening, and a multitude of other pursuits. While he never sought recognition, those who knew him will fondly remember his kindness, his vast encyclopedia of knowledge, and his ability to tell a great story.