Mr.James Arthur Davis, Sr. of Painter, VA was born July 3, 1948 in Dillion, South Carolina. He passed away Friday, November 18, 2016 at the Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News, Virginia.

He was the son of the late Jesse Davis and Inez Adamson. James was educated in the schools of South Carolina, but later furthered his studies by attending the Community College of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his early life, James enlisted in the United States Army, spending a brief tour before relocating to Washington D.C. James resided in D.C. for only a short period before settling in Philadelphia, PA. James worked at a couple of local spots in Philadelphia before landing his job at the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW)

In 2003, after working at PGW for 33 years, James and his current wife, Beverly relocated to Painter, Virginia. While working at PGW, he started out as a laborer, working as a compressor operator before getting promoted to a customer service representative. Working as a rep is where he found his calling because it was here that he realized he wanted to make a difference and help his fellow co-workers. He became a Union Steward, later getting elected as the Treasurer of Local 686-SEIU. As the treasurer, James became involved in the political world, where he interacted with local and state level politicians and congressmen and women. James was never shy about talking about the adversities he encountered in life. He wanted to help others overcome their struggles as well. In addition to his work with the union, James also served as an Employee Assistance Counselor for the union for employees who were affected by drugs, alcohol abuse, and family problems. James was proud of his service to the union and served several terms as Treasurer before deciding he wanted to retire.

James was known by several different nicknames, "Jay, Jim, Big Jim, Jimbo, Bubba, Uncle Jay, Pop Pop and Papa." He answered to all of them because he knew each was said with lots of love. James loved to discuss current events, and politics. He also enjoyed sharing stories about his childhood and times spent with his beloved younger brother the late Felix Davis, days fishing in the Big Pee Dee and the Little Pee Dee River.

Mr. Davis was employed with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Cooperation as an emergency crew member.

James was a person who believed in supporting his children or anyone that he felt needed assistance. James is survived by his wife, Beverly A. Davis; two older sisters, Dorothy Bish of Virginia Beach, VA., Jessie McCall (Brooks McCall) of Philadelphia, PA. A total of seven children: Tanya Manago of Washington, D.C., Michelle Wells (Joseph Wells) of Franklin, NJ., Sharon Davis of Philadelphia, PA., James A Davis Jr. (Amy Davis) of Philadelphia, PA., Theresa Davis of Philadelphia, PA, Jaimie Davis of Chesapeake, VA., Janine Marshall (Kenneth Marshall) of Chesapeake, VA.; three brother in-laws, Edward Graves, Jr. of Birdsnest, VA., Theodore Graves of Parksley, VA., and Thomas Graves (Ethel Mae) of Newport News, VA. James also leaves a total of fifteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

James Arthur Davis Sr. bravely endured all that was placed in front of him those last months while being hospitalized at Riverside Regional Medical Center, and he showed his strength and endurance. James made a difference in all of his loved one's lives and is now in God's hands for eternal peace. His ashes will remain with his family forever until they meet again in God's kingdom. May he rest in peace.