James Joseph Davis' Obituary
James (“Jim”) Joseph Davis -- beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother -- passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 3, 2025, in Fort Myers, Florida, at the age of 96.
Born in 1929 to the late Leroy and Beatrice (O’Shea) Davis, Jim lived a life marked by devotion to family, faith, and a spirit of adventure. He is survived by his loving wife of over 66 years, Shirlee (Keller) Davis, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories and travels.
Jim was the proud father of three children: Dr. John Davis (Susan) of Fernandina Beach, FL; Cindy Davis Coons (Ray) of Millsboro, DE; and Jeffrey Davis of Los Angeles, CA. Jim was a cherished grandfather to James Davis and Emily Davis, and a dear brother to Dan Davis of Covina, CA.
In 1991, Jim and Shirlee relocated from Spring Valley, NY to Fort Myers, where they became active members of the community. A devoted parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church, Jim also served as a member of the Knights of Columbus, reflecting his deep commitment to faith and service.
Jim earned his MBA from Fordham University and enjoyed a successful career with Pfizer Corporation, where he worked primarily in marketing as a Product Manager. His professional life was marked by hard work, determination, integrity, and leadership.
Outside of work, Jim was known for his vibrant, outgoing personality, and for his wide-ranging interests. He was a poker enthusiast, a seasoned pool player, a Wii bowler, and an avid competitor on the putting green. He and Shirlee traveled extensively, exploring the world together with joy, laughter and curiosity, often with one or more of their children. A passionate sports fan, Jim especially loved college football and basketball, cheering on his Florida Gators with unbridled enthusiasm.
Jim will be remembered for his warmth, wisdom, and steadfast love for his family. He always had a kind word to offer, always remembered your name, and had an innate ability to spread his optimism and good cheer with his unwavering (and sometimes silly) sense of humor. His legacy as a good friend, loving patriarch, and overall decent human being will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33907.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 13031 Palm Beach Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33905. Entombment will follow at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Jim’s memory.
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