James J. Davis, 94
James J. Davis, a resident of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2015, at Hospice House of North Idaho. He was born to Ira and Mary Davis in Lansing, Ohio, on June 8, 1921. The youngest son of eight siblings - two older brothers and five sisters. In 1939, he graduated from Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio.
Right out of high school, James joined Company 2529 of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) and was assigned to a camp in Bryce Canyon, Utah. In Sept. 1942, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until February 1946. He was a Staff Sergeant and Rifle Squad leader in the 75th Infantry Division. His division fought 41 days during the severe winter of December 1944 - January 1945, in The Battle of the Bulge, in The Ardennes, Belgium. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star. The Army sent him to the City College of New York (CCNY) to begin his studies in mechanical engineering. He was honorably discharged in February 1946.
On June 7, 1947, James married the love of his life, Rose Lillian Takash in Amsterdam, Ohio. They had a love and marriage that most people only dream of having, sharing 25 years together, until her passing in 1972. They had three daughters and a son, and shared many happy times as a family.
James attended Ohio State University, completing his Bachelor of Science at the Engineering College in the spring of 1950. He was a very humble man and would never boast, but he completed a rigorous five year requirement of a B.S. in engineering in four years. He felt deep loyalty to OSU, especially his Buckeye football team. He was evaluated at the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and was awarded a certificate as a professional engineer.
James started his professional career at North American Aviation in Columbus, Ohio. First in the production planning area, then as a design engineer in the high performance aspects and the structural design of the wing of the A3J Vigilante and X15. In 1960, he was transferred to the main plant of North American Aviation in Inglewood, Calif., and was involved in the B70 Bomber Program. Then, he was transferred to the Space Division of Rockwell International in Downey, Calif. They were the prime contractors of the Apollo Program, that included six manned lunar landings. He began as general supervisor in production planning and advanced to become the Chief. He worked closely with the astronauts throughout the space programs. The Apollo 16 astronauts took the signatures of people who were deeply involved in the program and placed the signatures, his being one of them, on the moon. He always felt honored that a small town boy from Lansing, Ohio, had his signature planted on the moon! Next, his space division was awarded the prime contract for the Space Shuttle Program. He continued as the chief of the production planning unit for 10 years and became the director of manufacturing engineering & development. In 1982, he retired after 32 years.
During his life, James was involved in many interests and hobbies. He participated in Indian Guides and Des-Mounts Hiking club with his son, Dave. He also was an avid outdoorsman with many camping, fishing and hiking adventures. He was an amateur photographer, but captured many amazing images. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and 75th Infantry Division Association, attending many reunions over the years. He was instrumental in the planning and organization of the 75th Division Reunion in the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area. As a No. 1 Buckeye fan of OSU football, he rarely missed a game and faithfully cheered his team on - GO BUCKS!! There will be a special coach shouting down plays from heaven this fall.
In 1996, James moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to be closer to his daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons.
James was was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, loving wife Rose, and grandson Bill Reince.
He is survived by daughters Cam Davis of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Joni Davis of Huntington Beach, Calif., Sue Reince (Chuck) of Hayden, Idaho, and Dave Davis of Garden Grove, Calif.; granddaughter Sundi Reince, grandsons Jeff and Greg Reince; great-grandsons Evan and Kai Seibert; and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank all the special friends that touched his life and shared their love and time with dad. You started out as friends, but he welcomed you into his family, for he did not know a stranger. To all of you, we are forever grateful. May his good soul rest in peace, knowing he was a source of inspiration, guidance and love for so many. He will be greatly missed, but the lessons of life he taught us will live on forever.
The family sincerely thanks Hospice of North Idaho for their compassionate and loving end-of-life care.
A military memorial service will be held at a later date. The Neptune Society has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.
The family suggests any donations be made to: Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, Idaho 83835 or a Veterans Organization of your choosing. Thank you.