James Davis

James (Jim) Lewis Davis, 81, of Nitro, formerly of St. Albans entered heaven’s gate on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at CAMC Memorial Division, Charleston where he joined his beloved wife of 59 years, Virginia (Jenny Lee) Holstein Davis. He was born June 25, 1932, in Charleston to the late James Watson and Reca Nelle Davis. Also preceding him in death was his grandson Andrew James Armstrong of St. Albans and brother, George K. Davis of Princeton. Jim served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After working at FMC Corp., he began his family legacy by using his gift of doing auto body repair and opening Davis Auto Repair in St. Albans. After many years, he developed his business and offered access to West Virginia by providing auto body parts and accessories, opening D.A.R. Collision Parts, Inc. Upon deciding to retire, his three daughters and son-in-laws purchased D.A.R. and continue today as a family business with twelve employees. His hard work and honest values were recognized by his induction into “Who’s Who in America” and a nominee of WV Entrepreneur of the Year. Because Jim never realized his importance to the community, he declined the nomination so someone else could be blessed with this honor. This was our dad….always giving so someone else may receive the blessing! He was a former member of the national Certified Auto Parts Association and Auto Body Parts Association. Jim was a Christian and attended St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Nitro. He is survived by his three daughters, Reca (Bob) Vickers of St. Albans, Nancy (Laurence) Armstrong of St. Albans and Sandra (Dave) Stewart of Nitro; brother Donald Davis of St. Albans and sister Nancy Burgess of Venice, FL; grandchildren Rob Vickers of Huntington, Abby Vickers of St. Albans, Matt Armstrong of St. Albans, Katie Stewart and Cassie Stewart of Nitro; great-grandchild Lilli Vickers of St. Albans; special “adopted” daughter Julia Black of Romance; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He spent his entire life helping others and doing many good deeds anonymously. A celebration of life service will be held 1pm Monday, February 10, 2014 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 20th Street, Nitro, with Pastor Mark Smith and Rev. Nancy White officiating. Burial will follow service at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans, with military honors by the VFW. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5pm, Sunday at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans. The family would like to give a special thank you to Kristen and Whitney for your love and support. Also, thank you to the wonderful Nurses, Doctors, and Staff of CAMC Memorial Open Heart Recovery ICU, Respiratory Therapy, Heart Cath Unit, and 4th Floor West Unit for your compassion, guidance, and friendship! In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Paul’s UMC “Boots for Babes”, a program providing area children each year with new shoes and a very special mission for Jim.

James Davis

June 25, 1932 - February 6, 2014