James Leon "Jim" Davis

James Leon “Jim” Davis, age 80, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 9:45 A.M. on Sunday, December 24, 2017, at his home with his loved ones by his side.  He was born on February 1, 1937 in Centralia, Illinois, the son of the late Edward Lee and Florence Evelyn (Potter) Davis.  He married Marlene Warden on September 10, 1964 in Enterprise, Alabama and she survives him in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his loving wife of 53 years, Mr. Davis is survived by his sisters, Phyllis Aydt of Centralia, Illinois and Helen Childers and husband Paul of Salem, Illinois; brother, Gary Davis and wife Cindy of Salem, Illinois; sisters-in-law, Lois Albert and husband Charles of Centralia, Illinois, Brenda Wutzler of Odin, Illinois, Janice Irvin of Centralia, Illinois, Jan Warden of Centralia, Illinois and Pat Warden of Salem, Illinois; brother-in-law, Mike Warden of Centralia, Illinois; aunts, Colleen Nollman of Centralia, Illinois and Katie Meier and husband Ed of Hoffman, Illinois and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward Davis, Jr. and Lester Tobias “Toby” Davis and sister, Sharon Thomas.

Mr. Davis was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving his country in Korea during the Korean Conflict, Japan and three tours of duty in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  He served in the U.S. Army from February 7, 1954 until February 28, 1974, retiring with the rank of Sergeant 1st Class.  He was a Helicopter mechanic and Crew Chief during his twenty years in the service. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Mr. Davis retired in 2000 as a truck driver for Johnson Trucking Company after 18 years of service. He graduated with Salem Community High School's “Class of 1954.” He loved going RV camping throughout the country with his wife for a number of years.  He enjoyed fishing and working on cars.  Mr. Davis was known by his family to help out anyone and that he was very patriotic and loved his country. He enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends.  He lived most of his life in Centralia, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life Service for Mr. James Leon “Jim” Davis will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 29, 2017, at the Mausoleum Chapel of Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois with Mr. John Willis officiating.  Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery on Friday.  Inurnment will follow in the cemetery with Military Honors accorded by Centralia American Legion Post 446 and V.F.W. Post 2055.  Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Davis’ memory to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mr. Davis' family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home's Facebook page.

 Service Information