Obituaries

James (Jimmy) M. Davis, age 77, of Old Forge and a longtime West Scranton resident, passed away Sunday evening surrounded by his family at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, after an illness. He was preceded in death by his best friend and beloved wife of 47 years, Margaret (Peggy) A. Lefchak Davis, on Dec. 20, 2017.
Born in Wilmington, Del., on July 16, 1945, and son of the late John Davis and Alice (May) Davis Quick, Jim was a 1966 graduate of West Scranton High School. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, being awarded with the Good Conduct and National Defense Service medals, before his Oct. 10, 1968 honorable discharge.
For 40 years he served as owner and operator of “James M. Davis General Contracting Co.,” prior to his well-deserved retirement.
A lifelong hunter, he enjoyed spending time with family at local state game lands. Some of his fondest memories came while spending time alongside Peggy at the casinos, especially during their trips to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Above all else came his family. He played an active role in his children’s lives, from never missing one of their youth activities to remaining close as they each created families of their own. He absolutely adored his grandchildren and he lived for his daughter, Kimmy, who will be heartbroken without her Dad. A good man, Jim will never be forgotten while his legacy will long live in through the following generations.
Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a longtime member of the St. Patrick’s Church Parish in West Scranton.
He is also survived by his family, including four children, J.J. Davis and wife, Lori, of Scranton; Brian Davis and wife, Sarah, of Rochester, N.Y.; Kimberly Davis, of Old Forge; and Amy Mills and husband, Eric, of Scranton; his three grandchildren who adored their “papa,” Caiden and Addison Davis, and Lucas Mills; his brother, Thomas Davis and wife, Nancy, of Scranton; and nieces and nephews.
Siblings, John “Jack” Davis, Alice Jean Webb and Margaret “Margie” Fetter also preceded him in death.
His family would like to acknowledge and thank the entire staff of Geisinger CMC’s ICU for making a difficult situation a little easier.
Funeral services will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge, with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson St. in Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, pastor. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Nicholas of Myra Parish Cemetery in Old Forge.
Family and friends may pay their respects Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to the donor’s favorite charity. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave a conolence.