James P. Davis

A candle was lit by Yen on September 17, 2019 6:53 PM

Message from Dayton, Ohio

I just found out about Dr. Davis' passing. I'm so sorry that he has passed. He was by far my favorite professor at Denison, and I model my current teacher after his style and energy. I can't believe he is gone as he is very much missed. God, please keep this family and Dr. Davis in your loving arms, Amen.

Message from timmerman87@gmail.com

I am so sorry to hear this news and I apologize for my late response. I graduated from Denison in 2010. As a non-English major, I intentionally took every class offered by Dr. Davis during my time at the university. He instilled in me a passion for writing and storytelling. We corresponded for several years after I graduated. He is the best professor I've ever had. I am sorry for your loss.

Respectfully,
Matthew Timmerman

A candle was lit by Skip Rockey on July 16, 2017 3:30 PM

A candle was lit by Pam Sprankel on March 21, 2017 7:39 PM

Message from Janice McLean Thornborough

When my family and I first moved to Granville 25 years ago, I got to know Jim from my days at Denison. He was so warm and fun. I felt an immediate bond with him and knew that I wanted to be his close friend. That never happened as our paths diverged and his kids and mine were in different activities, but I was always happy to see him when i did. Whether at the IGA or out and about, Jim was always smiling. laughing, and able to chat about anything. And, each time I ran into him, I remembered how very much I liked him. He had a sparkle. I'm so sorry he left you (and us) far too soon.

Message from Joy Sperling

Our very deepest sympathies to all of you from all of us in this very difficult time. Jim will be so very deeply missed. Jim's humor, wit, energy, passion, engagement with students, and love of life was infectious. His smile could brighten any gloomy Ohio day huddled in our coats shuffling across the quad. You smiled with him; you couldn't help it. Jim and I shared some nervous days together the summer before we came up for tenure and it was then that I learned all about his devotion to Nancy Drew, and I mean all about it! I have my own collection of Nancy Drew books myself now--imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Jim, and I think of you every time I open one and discover again what mischief Nancy is up to. Jim will be sorely missed. " I shall not look upon his kind again." Joy and Jim Sperling and Victoria Walker-Sperling.

Message from Steve Vogel

Jane and I are out of the country right now, and are very sorry to miss the visiting hours. -- Jim and I were born on exactly the same day, and would send each other email messages every year as "birthday twins." He was part of the crowd around Stone Hall in his and my early years at Denison, which meant we always felt (beyond our shared birth day) a bond of collegiality and friendship deeper than any short-term disagreements about DU policies or other stupid stuff. I'll miss his warmth and his wit, and send (along with Jane) my condolences to his daughters and all the other people whose world, like mine, will be lesser without him.

Message from Richard Downs

So honored and enriched by friendship with Jim. Like a brother from a different mother.
His kindness, caring, intelligence and honesty are legacies carried forward.
Condolence, celebration and best wishes to family and friends.

Message from Carolyn Jones Sauer

Very sorry to hear about Jim. We had an on line PH friendship. We talked about a mutual friend who had died. Guess Jim can visit with him in person now. Prayers for his 2 daughters, sister and other family and friends.

A candle was lit by Carolyn Jones Sauer on March 12, 2017 9:39 AM

Message from Olivia Aguilar

Sending light and love to all that were able to know and love Jim. I feel supremely lucky to have had him in my life. I'm sorry we will be missing the service, but our thoughts are with you.

A candle was lit by Olivia and Kevin on March 11, 2017 1:50 PM

Message from Barbara Bucker

I am so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. I send my sympathy to his family. I was one of his teachers at Park Hill High School. May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory!

Message from Angelo and Constance Alberico Perrotta

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this very sad time. Jim was a great person, and we enjoyed being in his company and visiting with him, even though we had know him for a short time. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Love, Angelo and Constance Perrotta (Lisa's aunt)

A candle was lit by Susan Kennedy on March 10, 2017 5:53 PM

A candle was lit by Christine Armstrong on March 10, 2017 5:18 PM

A candle was lit by Joan Novak on March 10, 2017 4:25 PM

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I mourn the loss of my colleague, Jim Davis. He was special in so many ways: an unusually creative and fun-loving thinker, a devoted father who enjoyed talking about his daughters, a dedicated and talented professor who inspired many students, an enjoyable companion who often surprised, and a compassionate human being who cared about other people and social justice causes. He was knowledgeable about so many diverse topics, not only in his academic specialties, but also in topics like Hitchcock movies and the anti-feminist evolution of the Nancy Drew mysteries. The world was a better place when Jim was with us. Saying good-by is very difficult.

Message from Alex Fencl

Jim was one of my professors at Denison University. I walked into his class as a freshman 14 years ago and was engaged immediately. He was a force of nature inside and outside of the classroom. He meant such much to so many people. My condolences to his family.

Message from Sarah Amthor

Professor Davis was my favorite professor at Denison - he was the reason I became an English major. I will never forget his lecture on mind-forged manacles and Romantic poetry, among countless other enlightening and entertaining lectures. I know all of his students cherished his honesty, deep compassion, and excellent, oft irreverent, sense of humor. Keeping Professor Davis and his family in my thoughts - he will be sorely missed. but his memory will be cherished.

A candle was lit by Sarah Amthor on March 10, 2017 2:27 PM

Message from Debby Andreadis

I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great colleague and neighbor, and I will miss his warm smile and kind words.

A candle was lit by Cheryl McFarren on March 10, 2017 12:43 PM

Message from Monica Ayala Martinez

Much love to you all. Jim will always be in our heart as a great colleague and human being.
Monica, Manuel and Tomas

A candle was lit by Monica Ayala Martinez on March 10, 2017 12:30 PM

A candle was lit by Cindy Butler on March 10, 2017 12:21 PM

A candle was lit by Anna Nekola on March 10, 2017 11:21 AM