James R. Davis
November 23, 1948 - May 5, 2024

James “Jim” Davis, 75, of Southport, NC, born on November 23, 1948, in Maxton, NC, peacefully completed his life’s journey on May 5, 2024, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Bolivia, NC.

Jim honorably served his country with two tours in Vietnam, 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and continued his dedication to service with a distinguished twenty-year career in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant (MSGT).

Jim had a zest for life, and enjoyed golfing, fishing, and the camaraderie of playing cards. He loved gathering with friends, sharing jokes, and lighting up the room with his infectious smile. He found joy in dancing the shag and spending serene days at the beach with his beloved wife and their cherished dog, Chancellor.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Queen Esther Hunt and Lacy D. Locklear; his nurturing grandparents, Eva and Willie Locklear, who raised him; his beloved son, Randy; his dear brothers, Martin, Ricky, and Willie; and his furry baby and best friend, Chancellor.

Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted wife, Lynn Klemme; his daughter, Donna Davis, and his son, Tony Davis; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Floyd Locklear (Nell); his brother Wallace Locklear (Eva), his sister Patricia Johann (Pete), his brother Redell Locklear (Vickey), his sister Faye Johann, his brother Lacy Dwight Locklear, his brother Daryl Locklear (April) along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Lynn extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Bolivia, NC, for their loving care and concern for Jim during his final days.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 2 PM at the Holiday Inn in Pembroke, NC, where we will honor him with full military honors and remember his enduring spirit and humor.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to:
– Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, 955 Mercy Lane SE, Bolivia, NC 28422 or online at LifeCare.org

– Service Dogs for Veterans Program – Providing customized service dogs for veterans, service members, and their dependents with physical, neurological, psychiatric, or emotional disabilities. https://paws4people.org/faqs/

The mailing address for paws4people is 1121C-324 Military Cutoff Rd. Wilmington 28405.

 

Arrangements in the care of Coastal Cremations- Carolina Shores.


24 Comments

  • Don & Rita Plebuch Posted May 19, 2024 10:42 pm

    Our short time with Jim generated treasured memories… a good friend, committed to country, generous, and loving with an outlook on life that left an enduring impression that will live on in our hearts forever. Semper Fi – Always faithful.

  • Terry Roman Posted May 20, 2024 2:09 pm

    So sorry for your loss Lynn. Jim will be missed by many people. As you know, he was like a brother to me. I have many wonderful memories of him and some of the crazy things we did. I will miss him forever.

  • Linda Owens Posted May 20, 2024 8:21 pm

    Dear Lynn:
    We are so sorry. We know that your loss is Heaven’s gain. May God Bless and keep you. Prayers and love. Love you Don & Linda.

  • Joe Parsons Posted May 20, 2024 10:56 pm

    My deepest condolences to you Lynn. I had the privilege of working with Jim for a couple of years while in the Air Force. He was the epitome of a dedicated non-commissioned officer. He will always be remembered as a true gentleman.

    Joe

  • James & Nicole Posted May 21, 2024 11:26 am

    Even though we only knew Jim a short time, we saw his genuine kindness and humor. So thankful to have met him.

  • Debora & Wayne Wehunt Posted May 21, 2024 8:21 pm

    Dear Lynn. We have been friends for a very long time and we had the pleasure of sharing good times and many laughs and great dinners together. We will miss Jim but he is in a better place and has a big smile on his face. No more pain or tears. I know u will miss him but one day u will see him again. He was a great guy and husband and he loved to have fun. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers with you Love ya! Wayne & Debora

  • Lynn Toorigian Posted May 22, 2024 7:59 am

    What a wonderful tribute to Jim! I didn’t meet him but can only imagine what a wonderful person he was …. Truly a void now in the lives of family and friends. He will be honored by his service to this country and those who served with Jim. He is resting in peace now and the love and fun he gave those around him will never leave you . I can only feel how sad you are but those wonderful memories will be with you forever! Love … Lynn

  • Al and Emma Secrest Posted May 22, 2024 8:05 am

    Lynn we are so sorry for your loss. We were both so privileged to have known and called Jim our friend. We sure all miss him but remember all the many card games and wonderful meals Al knew and served with him. They love to reminisce about the good times and common friends.
    You will be in our prayers

  • Latanya Shannon Posted May 22, 2024 11:05 pm

    Lynn, sending you my deepest condolences during this difficult time. May you find comfort knowing Jim is in a better place with Chancellor. Love you❤️

  • Susan Lumpkin Posted May 23, 2024 6:34 am

    Dearest Lynne, although I did not know Jim, my heart is broken for you! You’ve always told me how kind and thoughtful Jim was. Do know he is in God’s hands and one day you will be reunited with your beloved Jim. Prayers for your family
    Much love, Susan

  • Linda Locklear Posted May 24, 2024 11:28 pm

    Have many beautiful memories of James when we were young. Will always love ❤️ my cousin and his beautiful wife Lynn. Sending Love ❤️ and Prayers for God’s comfort and peace

  • Vickey Locklear Posted May 28, 2024 9:26 pm

    Our deepest condolences to James’s wife and immediate family. Continued prayers for peace during this difficult time 🙏

  • Matts Cesenaro Posted May 29, 2024 6:23 pm

    I enjoyed the visits to Greenville when James cooked on the grill and we sat around talking and eating all day. Chancellor was James sidekick. Chancellor always barked at me and wouldn’t let me near James. We had good times when Lynne, James and Chancellor came to visit N.C. too.
    Love Matts (Shirley.and Tony’s daughter)

  • Alice & Tony Aponte Posted May 31, 2024 11:34 am

    We enjoyed many memories with Jim and most of them were involved with Chancellor, his dog sitting always on his lap. Jim sitting on the back porch enjoying the company of friends . Always making good coffee for us. He will be missed.

  • Mackie Douglas Posted June 2, 2024 4:05 pm

    Lynn, words will never express true feelings of sorrow.. but you know that I feel your pain. Though I only got to see and talk to Jim a few times it was definitely a pleasure, I enjoyed his laugh. It was great when you two came to visit us and we went to the Blue Owl in Kimmswick for lunch. I know Pat certainly enjoyed that afternoon. We also had an enjoyable time at the Christmas dinner with your mother over at Our Lady. I think Jim and I both were a little “red-faced” with that gal singing to us . And even though I’m not an animal person per se.. Chancellor let me hold him and pet him that day, which I think surprised Jim. Memories… they are great!
    Love you… keep in touch.

  • Todd Dille Posted June 6, 2024 4:59 am

    It is with heart felt sorry that we extend our sincere condolences to you Lynn for your loss. Jim was a good man. I will cherish many fond memories with him and with you both. From golfing, trips to the beach, to grilling and drinks. We always had a good time. One thing was for sure is that anytime you seen Jim Chancelor was right there beside him. Jim was a kind and giving man and expected nothing in return. I will miss him dearly. I also want to say thank you for your years of service in the military.
    R.I.P. my friend

  • Leonard J. Sewell Posted June 7, 2024 11:13 pm

    A Good Man earned his wings! This a Home Going for a champion and these are the memories I have of Jim Davis. I will always remember our r talks about Air Force recruiting and though he was also a Marine we would always poke fun at each other. Boy would we laugh! I know he has his little Buddy Chancellor in his lap and they’re having a good time Lynn. Also fond good memories of how Aaron and I would have you going Lynn about Chancellor and we all had a great time. Great memories we will always have. Jim my friend you are no longer with us physically…..but you always be with us in our Hearts .❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • Cheri Klemme Posted June 8, 2024 8:30 pm

    Lynn…thank you to you and Jim for all that you both did for me…I have fond memories of the two of you visiting Mother and me at the Shrine and Mother and I traveling to visit both of you when you lived near Greenville…and Mother sitting in that wicker chair on your porch… both you and Jim took good care of us and made sure we were comfortable…one of my favorite photos is of Chancellor poking his head thru Jim’s ankles at the counter top…fond memories…

  • Cheryl Brunsmann Posted June 12, 2024 11:39 am

    Dear Lynn:
    Hang tight to all your wonderful memories. Jim was a wonderful man and gave so much to his country. I know you are so proud of him, rightfully so!

    My favorite memory of Jim Davis is from the time I was able to visit the two of you many years ago. You were still working and Jim Davis and I spent hours on the golf course even though I don’t golf. He was never just Jim to me; he was always and always will be Jim Davis. I will always treasure, the memories we made.

    With love and Peace,
    Biver

  • Reese and Eunice Bostic Posted June 15, 2024 5:31 pm

    As Reese and I remember Jim, we will carry forward the love and laughter that he brought into our lives. Jim was a good story teller especially about his time spent in the military. He was also a fantastic cook. His crablegs seafood boils were delicious. Thanks so much Lynn that you and Jim took the time, in a North Myrtle Beach Walmart, to talk with to stranger, Reese and I. Because of your kindness, we were able to form a wonderful friendship with Jim. His memories will forever dwell in our heart reminding us to cherish each moment and hold tight to the bonds of friendship. 🥰

  • Reese and Eunice Bostic Posted June 15, 2024 5:42 pm

    As Reese and I remember Jim, we will carry forward the love and laughter that he brought into our lives. Jim was a good story teller especially about his time spent in the military. He was also a fantastic cook. His crablegs seafood boils were delicious. Thanks Lynn that you and Jim took the time, in a North Myrtle Beach Walmart, to talk with two stranger. Because of your kindness, we were able to form a wonderful friendship with Jim. His memories will forever dwell in our hearts reminding us to cherish each moment and hold tight to the bonds of friendship. 🥰

  • Peggie Hunt Posted June 16, 2024 12:50 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lynn. James was a wonderful person who loved his family. Whenever he would come to Scotland or Robeson County, he would try his best to see everyone that he could. He truly loved his family. He absolutely will be missed. There are some people you meet and never forget. James was one of those people.

  • Brenda Babb Posted July 6, 2024 2:10 pm

    Dear Lynn,
    My heart goes out to you with Jim’s passing. I remember Jim being a quiet and strong man; the two of you together always gave me a sense of a lovely and caring couple. One memory or that is many memories, is the times you and Jim helped Reuben and me by bringing us meals. It was always appreciated. I especially enjoyed the times I could make roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy for Jim as well.
    I always respected Jim for his service to our country. Please feel free to call me anytime for support. My prayers are with you. Love, Brenda

  • Mike and Cathy Hendrix Posted July 12, 2024 2:51 pm

    Lynn, I often think back to the great times we had visiting with you and Jim** Always a relaxing visit while discussing events in our daily lives** Jim always had Chancellor close by, his partner in crime** Your loss is felt by all who knew Jim, herd him laugh or spent time with him** We will always miss Jim, I will miss a Friend and Brother** See you later Jimmy, we will have a beer and hit a few when I catch up***


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