James Robert Davis

James Robert Davis peacefully passed away Wednesday, August 19th, at his home in Inman, South Carolina, at the age of 72. James was born in Spartanburg on July 26, 1943 to parents Ralph Edgar Davis and Lethal Irene Martin Davis. He grew up in Inman with sister, Doris, and brother, Don. After graduating from Chapman High in 1961, James married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Graham, at First Baptist Church of Inman on May, 3rd, 1963. Together they raised four daughters; Susan (Candi), Lisa, Christina and Jamie. The Union Oil Company brought James, Barbara and daughter, Candi, to Southern California and they spent many happy years living in the area as well as some years living back in Spartanburg County. After working for Union Oil in sales, James' entrepreneurial spirit led to him owning and operating a Union 76 service station in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He also was passionate about real estate and owned property in Fairview Farms, Landrum where he raised cattle, enjoyed the scenery and his tractor. He was an accomplished self-employed mechanic and business owner until he retired and moved back to his roots to be near his brother and sister in Inman in 2005. Over the years, some of the best memories involved James camping with his family and friends in the desert, making cross-country trips in his motor home, riding motorcycles with buddies in Mexico, boating and fishing in Lake Elsinore and Lake Havasu, playing golf, cruising in his Porsche, sailing his Hobie catamaran along the Pacific Coast, traveling to pacific islands such as Hawaii and Tahiti with his wife, taking trips to visit The Grand Canyon, and just being "Dad" to his four girls and "Grandpa" to his ten grandchildren. James will be remembered for his classic "one-liners" and his good-hearted humor. He will be painfully missed by his family and friends and will live forever in the hearts and minds of those he leaves behind. He loved his daughters more than anything and although he was burly and tough on the outside (all 6'5" of him), he was truly a big teddy bear who taught his daughters countless life lessons with never ending love and support. He is survived by: his four daughters, Susan Candace Davis Matthews of Rowlett, TX; Lisa Ann Giangardella of San Clemente, CA; Christina Irene Starkey of Wesley Chapel, FL; Jamie Davis Provinse of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and their mother, Barbara Graham Davis of Lithia, FL. He is also survived by his sister, Doris Campbell, of Inman, SC, eight loving nieces and nephews and ten adoring grandchildren: Ashleigh Steinwender, Rachel Quarles, Kelsey Steinwender, Corey Quarles, Dakota Burnett, Chloe Crain, Cameron Crain, Ryann Giangardella, Jonah Provinse and Cali Starkey. James was predeceased by his big brother, Don Davis. The Davis children are lovingly imagining the Davis brothers together again in Heaven...doing what they do...with big gorgeous grins on their faces...and possibly getting into some mischief! The family will receive friends on September 26 from 10 am to 11 am at Seawright Funeral Home located at 26 E. Main Street, Inman, SC 29349. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 701 Groce Road, ISC-3rd floor, Greenville, SC 29605.

Seawright Funeral Home & Crematory