James Davis

James Davis

"J.R."

Age 96 of Wilmington, passed away Sunday morning August 10, 2014, at Hines VA Medical Center in Maywood.

Born August 25, 1917 in Carbondale, Illinois, James Raymond was a son of the late John Raymond and Mella Catherine (Kirk) Davis. He graduated from high school in Carlisle and went on to honorably serve in the United States Navy during World War II. He served in the Pacific Theater of operations; was involved in the Battle of Saipan, and was a Purple Heart recipient. Following his honorable discharge from service, James went on to gain to his Masters Degree in Education. Mr. Davis served as Principal in Chrisman, Illinois prior to becoming Superintendent of schools in Gilman and later for the Wilmington School District. Following his career in education, he sold real estate for the Bale Agency in Wilmington until his retirement. James was a lifetime member of the Wilmington VFW, belonged to the Wilmington American Legion and the A.F. & A.M. He was also a former member of the Wilmington Rotary and the Wilmington Moose Lodge. J.R. loved to read and watch the History Channel. His kids and grandchildren were very important to him, and he enjoyed attending and keeping up with all of their activities.

Survivors include his children: Kirk Davis of Limestone Township, Brent (Sandy) Davis of Wilmington, Chanson (the late Michael) Ponton of Bourbonnais, Rory (Renee) Davis of Monee and Desiree (Thomas) McCormick of Wilmington; eleven grandchildren: Brent, Jr., Davita, Trent and Kaylie Davis, James, Cory and Taylor Ponton, Jacob, Jason, Joel and Joe Davis; three great grandchildren: Alyssa and Aleyna Findlay and Cason Davis and one great-great grandson Kaiden Burley; two sisters: Eugena Marshall of Odin, Illinois and Quinnie Hubbell of Louisiana; one brother-in-law Fred Rushing of Odin and one sister-in-law Barbara Davis of Virginia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of 50 years, Barbara; son-in-law Michael Ponton; five sisters and one brother.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Tuesday August 12, 2014 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Wednesday morning August 13th at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Reverend Thomas Kingery from the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington will officiate.

Burial with full military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln Cemetery, Elwood.

Pallbearers will be: Kirk Davis, Brent Davis, Chanson Ponton, Rory Davis, Desiree McCormick and Thomas McCormick.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in James' memory to Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)