James Davis

James Edward Davis, 95, of Bloomfield, Iowa, passed away July 27, 2025, at the home of his son, Roland Davis, in Ottumwa. Born November 1,1929 on the family farm between West Grove and Moulton, Iowa, to Silas Austin and Mildred Ruth (Spurgeon) Davis, James celebrated that as his birthday until discovering his legal birthdate was October 31, 1929, after obtaining his birth certificate to join the Navy. He enjoyed teasing his children that they were celebrating his birthday on the wrong day no matter which day they chose. While on leave from the Navy James married Betty Elaine Hancock on November 27, 1948, in Bloomfield, and together they had seven children. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Midway (CVB 41), then spent a short time working as a milk tester for the government before starting his lifelong career as a truck driver. His love of driving began when his father purchased their first tractor. It influenced his decision in where to attend high school, opting to attend Bloomfield HS over the much closer Moulton HS, and led to him meeting Betty when a friend introduced them as they were driving around the Bloomfield square. In his words, when he got his tractor-trailer license he “never did a lick of work after that.” He enjoyed reminiscing about his time in the Navy, farming, and following football. He loved family gatherings, reunions, and playing with grandchildren. If you were about to travel anywhere he could advise you what exits to take or avoid, best time to travel, local landmarks and places to stop and eat years after he had last driven a route in that area. James is survived by six children, Cindy (Ken) Gordy, Mike (Bonny) Davis, Roland Davis, Dan Davis, Nita (David) O’Brien, and Carol (Ron) Reed; 26 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren (with 2 more on the way); a sister, Barbara Ann (Bob) Walker; and a brother, Merrill Douglas (Carol) Davis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Elaine Davis; son, Marion Davis; daughter-in-law, Linda Davis; a brother, Charles Allen (Bonnie) Davis; and his parents. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Wagler Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the IOOF Cemetery in Bloomfield. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm Friday, with the family present from 5-7:00 p.m. at Wagler Funeral Home. A memorial has been established to the Friends of the Bloomfield Public Library.

James Davis

October 31, 1929 - July 27, 2025