James Wade Davis

James W. Davis (Jim), age 60, passed away at Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA on September 11, 2018 after a three year long battle against leukemia. Jim fought until he was told by the doctors there wasn’t any fight left. He then decided to let go. After goodbyes were said by his sons, family, and even some friends, he died peacefully with his mom and sisters by his side.

Jim was born on March 20, 1958 in Washington, PA to the late James W. Davis, Sr. and Norma J. Fletcher. He was a Christian and was baptized at the Avery Methodist Church in Washington, PA.

Jim graduated from Trinity High School in 1976 where he played soccer all four years with a successful team that won the WPIAL Championship in 1975. He was recently selected to be in the Trinity Sports Hall of Fame due to his involvement on the soccer team for that year. Jim then went on to attend Davis & Elkins College for Radio Broadcasting.  Jim worked at the family business, DACO Machine and Fabricating, Inc. for 25 years until his father passed away. After selling the company, he continued to work with the new owners, GreeneTech Manufacturing for another 11 years until 2015, when he was diagnosed with leukemia.

Jimmy was known by his friends and family for many things. One would be that he was a great storyteller. Jim could tell a story about anything and make it “an edge of your seat” story or one that would have you laughing uncontrollably. It was even better if you were sitting around a campfire while listening. He was also known for his love and knowledge of music that stretched back to his young teen years and continued until the end. His love of music was passed on to his very talented sons, Dustin and Jesse, who both sing and play guitar professionally. Jim was also a very skilled photographer. To say Jim was an outdoorsman would be an understatement. He loved camping, fishing, hunting (in the younger years – then just taking pictures of animals in the later years), hiking, metal detecting and going to any lake or beach. He was found taking walks outside at the hospital everyday while there for his cancer treatment. The nurses knew that Jim would be out having his coffee at the crack of dawn. Once, one of the doctors said to him in a joking way, “This isn’t a hotel,” when he came rounding and Jim was outside and the doctor had to wait for Jim to come back inside to get checked.  It was laughed about by all the nurses. They loved Jimmy and he loved them. He spent the last 4 months living at the hospital and they got to know him well. Later in life at the age of 56, Jim became certified as a scuba diver. He was also a fan of most sports including NASCAR, the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins.

Jim had a big heart and helped others whenever he could. He liked his alone time with nature but he also enjoyed being with friends and family. He especially loved his annual week-long camping trips with his boys each summer to Seneca Lake in Ohio. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, James W. Davis, Sr., and his brother, Mark S. Davis.

Jim is survived by his sons, Dustin James Davis and Jesse Rae Davis of Columbus, OH, by his mother, Norma J. Fletcher, and Step-Father, Jerome Fletcher, Washington, PA, siblings, Michelle (Shelly) Davis, Pittsburgh, PA and Melissa Davis Reedy, Franklin, PA, step-brother, Adrian Fletcher, Taylorstown, PA, step-sisters Deborah Gilford and  Jerry Noreen Sumney, both of Washington, PA, and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Arrangements by Elmer L. Herman Funeral Home in Pittsburgh, PA.

Reverend Donald Waltermyer, Jr. will officiate a memorial service for family and friends at Washington Presbyterian Church, 100 Humbert Lane, Washington, PA on Sunday, October 14, at 2 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, please send treats and thank you cards to the nurses, doctors and staff at Shadyside Hospital, 7 West, 5230 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, where Jimmy lived and was cared for the last 120+ days of his life. The family is very grateful to them! 

Arrangements by Elmer L. Herman Funeral Home, 5204 Second Ave., Hazelwood.

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With warmest regards,

John N. Bauer and the Staff of Elmer L Herman Funeral Home

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