James Russell Davis Sr.

James Russell Davis Sr., 103, of Center Township, passed away Friday, Sept. 1, 2023 at home, surrounded by his adoring family. He was born March 23, 1920 in Sarver, the son of Joseph Harlan Davis and Helen (Fair) Davis. Jim was one of the original members of St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church when it was founded in Center Township in 1964. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, having served in World War II in the 8th Air Force, 94th Bomb Group, in Bury St. Edmund, England. During the war, Jim was a propeller specialist on the B-17 Flying Fortress. He was a proud and worthy member of the Greatest Generation. Jim retired from Armco in 1982 as a foreman in the inspection department after 42.5 years. He was a life member of VFW post #249 in Butler and the oldest member of American Legion post #117, where he enjoyed watching Steelers games with his family members. Jim also enjoyed visiting American Legion post #778 in Lyndora, especially on Fridays for a fish dinner. He was a life member and past president at Unionville Volunteer Fire Company, a charter member of the former Armco Golf League, a member of the Roman Catholic Men's Club in Summit Township, and was active in the former 8th Air Force Historical Society. Jim was an avid golfer who enjoyed the links all over Butler County and beyond with many golfing buddies. He played 9 holes last summer, at age 102, with his nephew and two nieces. An avid baseball lover, Jim was the first umpire for the Center Township Little League when it was sanctioned many years ago. He served as an umpire at Little League and Pony League games in Butler County in the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Jim also enjoyed his camp in Forest County, which he bought with relatives in 1961. Jim became a bit of a Butler legend in his later years due to his longevity, and greatly enjoyed meeting so many new friends and admirers. Surviving are three daughters, Jacqueline (Michael) Hamilton, of Rowe, N.M.; Carla (Charles) Hunt, of Davis, CA.; and Paula Grubbs (Bill Dunnigan), of Penn Township; and one son, James R. "Rip" Davis Jr. (Carol Wojdylak), of Butler Township; a daughter-in-law, Jeannine Davis of Wadsworth, Ohio; 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Schaffner Davis, who died April 7, 1994, his son, Richard L. "Dick" Davis, his grandson, Jeffrey R. Davis, an infant grandson, his two sisters, Audene Weleski and Dorothy Kontos and his brother, Jack Fair. A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church, 1660 N. Main St., Butler, followed by a graveside service and military honors at the Greenlawn Burial Estates, and a lunch at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation, 830 South Grand Ave, West Springfield, IL., 62704.

James Russell Davis Sr.

March 23, 1920 - September 1, 2023