James (Jim / JD) Daniel Davis, also known as “Papa”, departed his loving family to be with our Lord and Savior on February 20, 2023.

Jim was born in Council Grove, KS on May 14, 1932, to Charles and Mrytle Davis. He grew up in Council Grove and began working on surrounding farms at a very young age, becoming well educated on everything involving farm life from animals to growing crops, and working on farm machinery.

At 17 years of age Jim met the angel and the love of his life, Doris Wescott, in Madison, KS. The two married on February 18, 1951, and built their forever home in Osage County, near Ponca City, OK. Jim and Doris had 3 children and began their over 70 wonderful and adventurous years of marriage, devoting themselves to each other, their farm life, and working and raising their children with virtues of hard work and dedication.

Jim and Doris worked a few different jobs throughout the years, even running their own restaurant named The Coffee Cup Café in downtown Ponca City. The work that brought them the most success and satisfaction was when they started their own lawn service company and worked together, spending their hours everyday doing what they enjoyed doing the most, being together.

Their time working together afforded them even more opportunity to spend time traveling and experiencing the U.S., visiting all 50 states, also other countries, even road-tripping through Canada and Alaska. They became “snowbirds” in their 50’s, traveling to south Texas for the winter months for over 30 years. They made many friends on their travels and loved to share their experiences with their family.

Jim was a devoted husband and father and worked very hard to build a home for his family, even building their own family home after he and Doris retired. Over the years he worked in the oil fields and in construction, and also as a truck driver.

He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them telling them stories of his childhood, teaching them how to build things, how to work in the garden, and attending their sporting events.

Jim and Doris had many hobbies and loved fishing and camping and traveling together. Jim and Doris volunteered for Hospice and spent many hours putting together flower arrangements and sending cards to families who had lost their loved ones. Jim enjoyed working with his hands and built many memorable items for his family they will cherish for a lifetime. He stayed active by working outside as much as possible, and spending time with his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Doris, his parents and four siblings, Art Davis, Mayetta Warneke, Naomi Mitchel, and Charlie Davis, one daughter Janet Fansler, two great-granddaughters, Ryann Faith Nolan and Abigail De Cales.

He is survived by one sister, Arlene White of Osborne, KS, and 6 half-siblings, Betty Helton, Laverne Hawkins, Dwayne Davis, Wanda Lemay, Terry Davis, and Becky Chase all of Kansas.

He is also survived by two sons, David Davis and wife Dana, and Rick Davis and wife Connie, all of Ponca City, OK.

He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Darrell Nolan of Chandler, AZ, Marcus Nolan and wife Christina of Pryor, OK, Chad Davis and wife Michelle of Ponca City, OK, Cassey Wooding and husband Brian of Edmond, OK, Daniel Davis and wife Rebecca of Tulsa, OK, and Angela Cales and husband Jason of Bartlesville, OK.

Jim is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, Dylan, Kendal, Layne, Peyton, Jakob, Aubri, Charleigh, Carter, and Sage, and three great-great-grandchildren, Benton, Elijah, and DJ.

Anyone who knew “Papa” would say he was a true wealth of knowledge and wisdom, which he acquired through his many life experiences, and he gladly shared his knowledge with others. “If Papa didn’t know it, you didn’t need to know it.”

Daniel 5:14 “I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom.”

He was a true friend and would help anyone that needed it. We know Papa is rejoicing in heaven with Jesus and his family and friends.

Funeral services will not be held. The family will be holding a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers and to celebrate Jim’s life, please send donations to Hospice of North Central OK.

Paid Obituary