An editor’s last column written by his loved ones – James E. Davis (Jim), son of the late Elmer and Lena Davis, was an angel on earth who peacefully joined the Lord on April 28, 2024. He was a force to be reckoned with. A creature of habit, yet an adventurer at heart. A daily crossword puzzle solver. A western movie fanatic. A keen card player. A passionately vocal Cleveland and Buckeyes sports fan. A leader, yet a follower to those who needed support. A loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. This is Jim’s last editorial – what a wonderful life.
Of all Jim’s many passions, none was greater than his family. Whether by blood or as strangers, he epitomized connection, ensuring all felt valued and supported. The values he instilled are the foundation upon which the Davis family stands. As a remarkable patriarch and role model, Jim’s greatest legacy is the exemplary life he led and the love he shared.
Jim loved both spam and peanut butter and pickle sandwiches. He was an 89-year-old true believer in Santa Claus. He started Christmas shopping the day after Christmas. He was the unofficial official Amish ambassador when anyone came to visit, sharing unforgettable stories about the people he met, the 100 pounds of cheese he bought, and the history of the Amish community he truly loved and respected. He was the one who always stood with Grandma at the top of the hill to stay for “the waving part” – a Davis family tradition when you had to say goodbye. He was an avid golfer, achieving multiple holes-in-one. Jim had a list for EVERYTHING. He was a gentleman farmer who had a passion for his garden, eating ripe, red tomatoes off the vine, and the birds he loved to feed. Quick-witted and full of loving humor, Jim always found the bright side and shared his light with others. His compassion and kindness touched all who knew him.
Jim was born on July 17, 1934. He started in the newspaper business as a paper boy for the former Daily Times at the tender age of eight. After graduating from New Philadelphia High School in 1952, Jim attended Bowling Green University where he earned degrees in microbiology and journalism, as well as participated in the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Upon college graduation in 1956, Jim served his country in the United States Army. During this time, he met his “Kansas Sunflower” of 65 years, Ruth Marie Roether, at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. They married in Perry, Oklahoma on January 26, 1959. Following his honorable discharge from the army, Jim and Ruth returned to Dover where they would create lifelong friendships and raise five onery children.
Jim started working as a reporter for the Daily Reporter in Dover. He was part of the 1968 merger with the Daily Times and Daily Reporter, and after 40 years, Jim retired in 1999 as the Editor of the Times Reporter and the Massillon Independent. Jim served on or was a member of numerous civic, business, and service organizations, including the Dover Jaycees, Tuscarawas County Community Improvement Corporate (CIC), Tuscarawas County United Way, Tuscarawas County YMCA Board, and delivered Mobile Meals through April 2024.
Jim’s spirit is carried on by his wife Ruth, and his five children: daughters Tracy Siebold of Egg Harbor Township NJ, Kristy Hammond (husband Matthew) of Loveland, and Melanie Curlee (husband Louis) of Dover; sons Craig (wife Barbara) of Dover, and James (wife Jen) of Dover. He was the beloved Papa to 21 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren: Mallory Mehio (husband Mazen, children Farah and Ashar); Benjamin Davis (wife Marcy, children Eden, Elijah, Ezra, and Elliyah); Timothy Davis (wife Vanetta, children Ian and Lauren); Joseph Hammond (wife Regan and son Theodore); James Hammond (wife Halley); Jacob Hammond; Jonathan Hammond; Danielle Davis (children Jaxon, Easton, Keaton, and Ruston); Gabrielle Ferguson (husband Lee, children Hadley, Rowyn, and Walker Jack); Hannah Ellis (husband Zach); Isabelle Curlee (future husband Brett Alltop); Grace Curlee; and Hank Curlee. He is survived by: Sister Shirley Krantz; brother-in-law Carl Pissocra; sister-in-law Jane Roether; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and family friends. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by: his sister Marilyn Pissocra; brothers-in-law Alan Krantz, Doc Roether, and Doug Roether; and sister-in-law Dorothy Don Roether.
A graveside service will be held with immediate family members.
Jim delighted in other people’s joy, especially when he could contribute to it – With this in mind, Jim requested friends and family to celebrate the joy life brings together at Hoodletown Brewery Company in Dover on July 21, 2024. And as always, the Davis family will be there until the very end, ready to participate in “the waving part.”
The entire Davis family extends its sincere gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate medical community at the Cleveland Clinic’s Union Hospital, especially Dr. Joseph Zemis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests friends and family consider donating to the Community Hospice (Truman House).
Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory
803 North Wooster Avenue
Dover, Ohio 44622
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James E. Davis, please visit our flower store.