James Davis

Our family is saddened to announce the passing of James Markle “Jim” Davis, on February 2, 2024. Jim, a resident of Havelock, North Carolina, was born on January 8, 1939, in Kingston, New York. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Searle Davis; sister Abigail Davis; son Jack Davis; daughter, Jessica Davis-White, and her husband, Sam White; and grandson James Bellows. He was predeceased by his parents and daughter, Barbara “Bobby” Jean Bellows.

Jim officially retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1988 with the rank of colonel after a long and storied military career spanning 24 years, which included several combat tours during the Vietnam War where he was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. He was understandably proud to serve his nation in the military and was also proud to be a United States Marine. After retiring from the military, Jim enjoyed a fulfilling second career as an educator at Craven Community College. A passionate outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and pets, notably his loving Australian shepherd named Britches.

Jim’s remains will be interred in the Catskills Mountain of New York where the family maintains a second home. A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 12 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Bedell Cemetery in Fleischmanns, New York.