Jimmie Ray Davis

Jimmie R. “Jim” Davis, a beloved father, skilled contractor, and resilient survivor, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2024 in Natchitoches, Louisiana, at the age of 85.

Born on November 2, 1938, in Robeline, Louisiana, Jim was the son of Sadie Mae O'Con and Jeff Joseph Davis. Throughout his life, Jim embodied qualities of strength, determination, and a fierce love for his family.

Jim began his career as a young railroad crew member working the rails in West Texas. He found his true talent as a carpenter apprentice, honing his skills and eventually rising to the role of superintendent before venturing out on his own as a contractor. Over the course of several decades, Jim's craftsmanship and dedication left an indelible mark on the landscape of Natchitoches, as he built, remodeled, and restored numerous buildings and homes throughout the area.

A man of many passions, Jim found great joy being in nature. He was an avid deer hunter, spending long weekends in the woods, riding his four-wheeler, camping, and enjoying time with his boys. He loved to fish and enjoyed being out on Sibley Lake and Cane River Lake. He enjoyed growing food gardens and shared his produce to anybody in need. Despite facing adversity, including surviving a stroke and a heart attack, Jim's resilience and determination never wavered, as he was able to continue his hobbies for many years after. 

Jim's legacy extends beyond his professional accomplishments to the love and care he provided to his children, whether born to him or not. He was known for his toughness, strength, and yes, even stubbornness, but above all, he is remembered as a good man who took care of his family.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, his daughter Jennifer Davis Martin (Joe), his son James Tony Davis (Amy), and those who lovingly referred to him as “Pop”--his stepchildren Lisa Scaife, Timothy Scaife (Rhonda), and Jeffrey Scaife (Rachel); also, grandchildren: Jake, Drew, Ali, Jackson, Eva Jean, Megan (Jonathan), T. Austin, Mikayla, Gavin, Anna, and Maddie.  The oldest of five siblings, he is survived by his younger sister Edwina Ferer-Westrop (Richard) and little brother Jeff “Duke” Davis (Pam). He was preceded in death by his younger brother John Alvin "Jack" Davis, his younger sister Faye Davis Gray and by his wife of 26 years, Gloria Jean Tidwell Davis.

A funeral service to celebrate Jimmie's life will be held at Blanchard-St. Denis at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery in Many. The family looks forward to hosting friends at Merci Beaucoup after the burial from 4pm to 6pm for a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates anything you can do to support the residents and staff of the Courtyard of Natchitoches. 

Pallbearers will be Jake Martin, Jonathan Cook, Scott Ewing, Aaron Farmer, Jay Gray, and Will Garcia. Honorary pallbearers will be Jackson Davis, John Clyde Davis, Richard “Cooter” Dove, Gavin Adcock and Ralph Hernandez.

Jimmie R. Davis will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.