James “Jim” H. Davis, Sr., 89, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Saturday, September 23, 2023 with his daughter, Ann & son-in-law, Pete by his side at Atrium Navicent Health in Macon, Georgia.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, Georgia, with the Rev. Greg Pope officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 AM in the chapel on Wednesday. Entombment will follow at 3 PM, Wednesday in the Chapel of the Pines Mausoleum at Park Hill Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia.
Jim was born in Harris County, Georgia, the son of the late Tabor H. & Mary Hodge Davis, on January 27, 1934. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James H. Davis, Jr.; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary & Hughlon Pearson; and a nephew, Steve Pearson.
He began his education at Mountain Hill School in Mountain Hill, Georgia. Jim earned the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from Jordan High School in Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 16. He was a member of Mensa Society. Jim worked at the Provision Company in Columbus and the Wilson Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as an account manager. He began his career at East Alabama Provision company in Opelika, Alabama, as an office manager at the age of 19. The company was then sold to Southern Foods, Inc. in Columbus, where he transferred as secretary of the company. Jim was responsible for purchasing and personnel and then was promoted to Vice President. He moved to Fitzgerald, Georgia and became manager of Lowell Packing Company, until his retirement. He then started his own business as a food safety consultant.
Jim served on many boards: Vice President of the National Meat Association, President of Georgia Meat Association, President Elect of the Rotary Club of Columbus, where he had 20 years of perfect attendance, chairman of the Columbus Airport Commission, Director of First Federal Savings and Loan Association, Director of Goodwill Industries, active member of Wynnton Baptist Church, where he served on the finance committee. After moving to Fitzgerald, Jim became a member of the First Baptist Church where he served on the benevolence committee with his wife, Polly and his close friends.
Jim had many hobbies and passions. As a teenager he drove stock cars and was on the bowling team in Opelika, Alabama. During that time, he won the Alabama State tournament and set a record score. He also played golf for over 55 years, was a member of the Country Club of Columbus, played in the 1977 42nd Southeastern Amateur Golf Tournament. He also played golf at the Fitzgerald Country Club and the Ocilla Country Club.
Jim enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved rabbit and dove hunting with his son, James and brother-in-law, Dixie Harris. He enjoyed bass fishing with his son-in-law, Pete and has passed on these interests to his grandchildren. Flying was his passion! Jim held a commercial license with instrument ratings. He flew aerobatics and participated in many air shows in his Pitts special. Jim enjoyed his motorcycles and accomplished the one-thousand-mile ride in under 24 hours. He loved to photograph all the covered bridges in Georgia, while traveling in their motor home.
Jim was known for his sense of humor, loved telling a joke and always had a great story to tell. He also enjoyed cooking and grilling. Everyone’s favorite was his brunswick stew, divinity and peanut brittle, at Christmas time.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Polly Davis of Fitzgerald; a daughter, Ann (Pete) Waller of Sugar Hill; three grandchildren: Adam Davis of Woodstock, Ashley (Frank) Warren of Maysville and April (Curtis) Kelley of Alpharetta; two great-grandchildren: Grace and Caroline Kelley; and several nieces, nephews and loving friends. He loved his family deeply and was an exceptional care giver to his wife, Polly. He loved the Lord and worshipped through singing old hymns and gospel music.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church of Fitzgerald, P.O. Box 367, Fitzgerald, Georgia, 31750, or your favorite charity.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.