James Davis

James Relmond Davis, 88, U.S. Army Veteran of Elizabethtown passed away on Friday, April 2, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Ray Davis and Florence Priest Davis, and his first wife, Bess Davis. James is survived by his wife, Susan Darr of Sanford, three daughters: Connie Turlington (Dale) of Willow Springs, Carolyn Phillips (Gregg) of Hillsborough, and Leslie Hill of Elizabethtown, one brother, John Ray Davis (Barbara) of Louisburg, and eight grandchildren: Austin Turlington (Kathleen), Cameron Collins (Thad), Hannah Phillips, Luke Phillips, Whitt Phillips, Cassie Hill, Colin Hill, and Conner Hill.

Many people in and around Bladen County know James “Jimmy” Davis as an avid outdoorsman, taxidermist, wood worker and fish biologist.   Many people have a fish or deer head he mounted, or a gun cabinet he made. He enjoyed working for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission as a fisheries biologist for over 30 years. But perhaps the biggest impact he leaves is his kind and generous heart.  He was always willing to share what he had with his family and friends.   He and Susan loved to travel and took many great hunting trips across the US but particularly enjoyed a trip to Africa.  He was always planning his next hunting trip.   He enjoyed talking with dear friends Gib Butler, Dean Alsup and Walter McDuffie about the local wildlife.  He often talked about his early years growing up on the family farm in Moore County and his time at State College.  He enjoyed bluegrass music and entertaining friends.   He inspired his three daughters and eight grandchildren to be the best people they could be and to love one another.    His life and legacy leave a big impact on the community.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 11:00 am in the Elizabethtown City Cemetery with Rev. Cameron McGill officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. All attendees are respectfully asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Lifecare Center, 206 Warrior Trail, Whiteville, NC 28472.