Kenosha – James R. Davis, age 79, passed away on Saturday, March 17, 2018 peacefully at home. James was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on August 12, 1938 to the late Jesse and Quilla (nee: Graham) Davis. He graduated from Horace Mann High School in Little Rock and went on to graduate vocational school. James was employed for over 30 years at American Motors, from where he retired in 1989. He was also an experienced entrepreneur – having founded several businesses including Davis Landscaping.

James was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church of Kenosha where he volunteered in various capacities including groundskeeper, usher, cook and bookkeeper. He was involved in Local 72, the Civil Rights Committee, Northshore Retirement Club, and founded the Amani and Ponyka MCSC Motorcycle Clubs. Among his interests, he was passionate about his motorcycle, was a respected baseball coach and owner for the Washington Island Fish Market team, enjoyed horticulture and gardening, and taught many children how to skate at Red's Roller Rink. Above all, James loved time spent with his entire family.

Surviving are his legacy: loving daughter, Jasmine (Tyrell, Sr.) Davis-Morris; grandchildren, Divine Davis and Tyrell Morris, Jr.; dear friend & mother of Jasmine, Renee Lee; father figure & mentor of Antonya First, Anjanee First-Ellison and Angela Gibson; Godson, Tremain (Lindsey) White; oldest nephew, Anthony (Danetta) Davis; nephew / friend, Dewayne (Maxine) Wells; great-nephew, Nelson Patillo; sisters-in-law, Louise Davis and Roberta Davis; nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family, neighbors & friends.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by one of the many children he mentored, Anthony Wayne First, Jr.; and by brothers & sisters, Richard (Evelyn) Davis, Nathaniel (Margaret) Davis, Johnny Davis, Jesse (Willie Mae) Davis, Jr.; Andrew Davis, Lillie Tolbert, Elizabeth Davis, Alleaner Upshaw and Geneva Davis.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 11:00 am in Second Baptist Church (3925 – 32 ^nd Avenue in Kenosha) with Pastor Rodney Williams (L.R.., Arkansas), officiating and Dr. Marvell M. Williams, eulogist  ( L.R. ,Arkansas). Entombment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park (indoor chapel mausoleum). Visitation will be in DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME (4600 County Line Rd. in Racine) on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and in the church on Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 am.

Repast following entombment at UAW Local 72 – 3615 Washington Rd. Kenosha, WI 53144. (You may also send cards and condolences to Jasmine Davis: P.O. box 295 – Kenosha, Wisconsin 53141-0295)

Service Details

Homegoing Celebration: Saturday, March 31, 2018 at 11:00 am in Second Baptist Church (3925 – 32nd Avenue in Kenosha)

Entombment: following the services at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park (indoor mausoleum chapel)

Viewing: at DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME (4600 County Line Rd. in Racine) on Friday, March 30, 2018 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and in the church on Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 am