James "Jim" Davis

James W. "Jim" Davis, age 70, of Battle Creek went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday morning, May 3, 2015. He was born in Battle Creek on May 1, 1945, the son of Willis W. "Bill" and Ione (Oyster) Davis. Jim graduated from Battle Creek Central High School with the Class of 1963, and furthered his education at Ferris State University. Jim retired in 2014 after more than 47 years as an area pharmacist, most notably at Bronson Hospitals.

Jim married Nancy J. (Stults) Davis at the First United Methodist Church, Battle Creek; she survives. He is also survived by his 3 children, Elizabeth (Matt) Mahlstedt of Waterloo, Iowa, Julie (Garth Ryan) Davis of Kalamazoo, and Tim (Melanie) Davis of Otsego; 4 grandchildren, Mason Stilwell, Michael Johnson, Claire Davis, and Elspeth Ryan; his sister, Donna Briggs; a special cousin, Jill Melton, and several nieces & nephews.

In addition to his dedication to his career as a pharmacist, Jim also committed himself to his family and community. He was an elected member of the Lakeview School Board for 34 years and served more than 15 years on the Calhoun County School Board. Jim was a lay leader at the First United Methodist Church where he was also active as a church council member and helped to start the Connections group between local United Methodist churches.

Many know Jim from his involvement in his son's Cub Scout and Boy Scout packs, as a softball coach, a band chaperone and as an excellent baritone in various choirs and quartets. He could often be found at nearly every performance and sporting event that his children and grandchildren participated in. He spent his short retirement spending the majority of his time with his grandchildren. Occasionally, Jim found time for one or two hobbies such as golf.

Jim spent his last day celebrating his 70th birthday with his wife, children and grandchildren. At the end of the evening his wife and kids helped him to bed where he was kissed goodnight by his grandchildren.

The family will receive friends 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2015 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home and 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church, Battle Creek where a memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the First United Methodist Church, the Cancer Care Center at Bronson Battle Creek Medical Oncology Fund, or the Lakeview Schools Education Fund.