James Howard Davis

Howard passed away on May 28, 2015. He was born March 28, 1926, in Oso, WA, to Jack and Ella Davis. He played Football and Baseball during his school years and was drafted to play Baseball for the Seattle Rainiers during his senior year of High School. Soon baseball was put on hold as he joined the Navy during WWII. Later, he served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He came home with a Purple Heart.

Once his military activities were complete, he attended Gonzaga and Pacific Lutheran College. After graduating from college he started his career as a Junior High Math teacher. This also provided him an opportunity to coach sports, which he did until he retired.

In 1955 he met and married his wife, Ida Korsmo. Their first home was a converted Chicken Coop in Silverdale where he taught school.

Later they moved to Tacoma (to a real house) where he spent many years teaching at Stewart Junior High. In 1966, they moved to Puyallup where they finished raising their family of 7 children. Howard retired from teaching in the Federal Way School District in 1986.

Although he retired from teaching, he continued to spend many years doing what he had done every year during the summer breaks from school – he built houses and apartments and additions to homes, for friends and friends of friends.

Over the years, he also managed to play on a few baseball teams in the Tacoma area himself. He was recognized and inducted into the Tacoma-Pierce County Baseball-Softball Old Timer’s Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport.

Howard was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Buckley for many years.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ida, his daughter, Jennifer Miller, 3 brothers: Clifford, Jack, and Elmer Davis, and 2 sisters: Flora Murray and Roberta Smith.

He is survived by 6 children: Barbara (Dennis) Rushforth and her children, Rachel Lugo, Misha Randall, and Joe Brooks; MaryJane Landry and her children, Jacob, Adam and Amy Landry, and Melisa Martin; Janet (Randy) Groven and their children, Quincy Groven and Megan Alfredson; John (Laura) Davis and their children, Noah, Hannah, and Sam Davis; Jack (Denise) Davis and their children, Zachary, Tyler, and Brian Davis; and Jim (Melissa) Davis and their children, Merab, Ty, Mia, and Mandi Davis.

In addition, Howard is survived by 13 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Also surviving Howard is a dear friend, Naomi Moos, whose companionship meant so much to him during his last years.

Howard touched so many people during his life, through family relationships, friendships and teaching. He worked hard, played hard, and cared deeply. We have learned much from his example and will forever love and miss him.

A time of visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Friday, June 5th, at Powers Funeral Home located at 15124 Main St. Sumner, WA. 98390.

A celebration of Howie’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6th, at 11:00 AM, at Bethel Christian Fellowship, located at 6010 – 224th Street E. Spanaway, WA 98378.