Jim is survived by his sister, Wanda Davis Maronge, and his children: James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr. (Tonya), Paul Davis (Anne Marie), Lynn Davis McMahon (Philip “Phe”); Aleta Davis Dempsey, Susan Davis Naquin (Ryan), Edward “Eddie” Davis (Karin), and Rebecca Davis (James Johnson). Jim is also survived by his grandchildren: Brandy Davis Fryou, Jamie Davis Stephenson, Frances Davis Roy, Noah Davis, Sarah Davis, Philip McMahon, Mary McMahon, Julie McMahon, Mindy Forehand, Madison Martin, Thomas Dempsey, Brittani Hartman, Seth Plaisance, Connor Plaisance, Ellen Davis, Cecelia Davis, Graham Mizell, Anna Johnson, and Hugh Johnson, and 12 great grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Eileen Cooke Davis; his parents, Lily Haddad Davis and James Harrison Davis; his siblings, Delores Davis Pelegrin and William “Billy” Davis; his loving grandparents, Florida Mohana Haddad and George Haddad; and a son-in-law, Stephen Joel Dempsey.
Jim or “J. Hugh,” as he was known by family and close friends, grew up in Houma and graduated from Terrebonne High School. After voluntarily serving his country, Jim began a long and distinguished career in the oil industry. Jim was co-owner and sales manager of American Supply Co. of Morgan City from 1971-2003, when he retired. Also, during that time, he was co-owner of OHI Filter Supply Co. in Jefferson.
Throughout his life, Jim was a dedicated servant in his community. For these efforts, Jim was named an honorary alumnus of Nicholls State University (1989). Nicholls subsequently honored him with both the Harvey Peltier Award (1995) and the Marie Fletcher Award (1996), which are their highest honors for service in the community and to the university. Jim served as the President of the South Louisiana Economic Council, the Business Advisory Council (NSU College of Business), and the Nicholls President’s Business Advisory Council. Jim also served as President of the Morgan City Civitan Club, officer/member of the St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce, and as an active member of the Atchafalaya Chapter of the American Petroleum Institute, St. Mary Industrial Group, and state advisory councils for vo-tech schools and centers of technology. A longtime parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Jim served as a lector/commentator, in music ministry, and on the finance council for the church.
To his family and friends, Jim was the epitome of a Godly man, who was a tireless caretaker for his wife in her later years, and a constant steady source of faith, support, generosity, and encouragement. His wide range of knowledge, interests, and sense of humor made him a joy to all who knew him. Jim’s love and example of what a man should be - a dedicated husband, father, and friend - will be remembered forever.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the family. They ask that in lieu of flowers, donations to the Nicholls State University Foundation or Holy Cross Catholic Church be made in his memory.
Jim’s family would like to give special thanks to those who lovingly assisted in his care: the staff of Morgan City Dialysis Center, Dr. Jody Plaisance, and Tempest Jackson. Additional special appreciation and gratitude is extended to his dedicated friends who he loved as family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at ww.hargravefuneralhome.com for the Davis family.
Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City is in charge of arrangements.
