Dec. 12, 1921 - June 1, 2012

GOSHEN — James A. "Jim" Davis, 90, of Goshen, passed away on Friday morning, June 1, 2012, at the Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart.

He was born on Dec. 12, 1921, in Goshen to William B. and Mary G. (Barrick) Davis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and six brothers.

He married Theresa J. Froelich on Aug. 10, 1946, at St. John's Catholic Church in Goshen. Theresa passed away on Feb. 16, 1999.

Surviving are his sons, Stephen C. Davis of Goshen and John M. Davis of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; granddaughters Andrea M. (Dave) Weadock of Fort Wayne and Kelly N. (Pete) Swinehart of Elkhart; and a grandson Jason J. (Sallie) Davis of Goshen. Four great-grandchildren and a daughter-in-law, Nancy M. DeMarco of Goshen, survive as well.

Jim retired from Goshen Rubber after 34 years of service, but went on to work at Spurgeon's Department Store in Goshen for another 10 years and then spent an additional 17 years at Park Home Medical Supply in Goshen, where he was honored for being the company's oldest actively employed associate. He retired from there in 2009 due to his health.

He attended Goshen High School and was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Goshen, where he was an usher at the Saturday evening Mass for 39 years. Jim was known as the neighborhood handyman because he could fix almost anything.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II in Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, Central Europe and the Ardennes. He received many honors including a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 5, 2012, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a parish Rosary will be prayed beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at 11 a.m., with calling 1 hour prior at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 W. Vistula St., Bristol. Father Bob VanKempen will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Violett Cemetery in Goshen, with full military honors rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard.

If friends so desire, memorials may be given to the church or to the Hospice Foundation, 4220 Edison Lakes Parkway, Mishawaka, IN 46545. To share a memory with the family or to send a condolence, please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank Courtyard Healthcare for his loving care and to Hospice House for his final days of life.

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