James E. Davis

An editor’s last column written by his loved ones - James E. Davis (Jim), son of the late
Elmer and Lena Davis, was an angel on earth who peacefully joined the Lord on April
28, 2024. He was a force to be reckoned with. A creature of habit, yet an adventurer at
heart. A daily crossword puzzle solver. A western movie fanatic. A keen card player. A
passionately vocal Cleveland and Buckeyes sports fan. A leader, yet a follower to those
that needed support. A loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. This
is Jim’s last editorial – what a wonderful life.

Of all Jim’s many passions, none was greater than his family. Whether by blood or as
strangers, he epitomized connection, ensuring all felt valued and supported. The values
he instilled are the foundation upon which the Davis family stands. As a remarkable
patriarch and role model, Jim's greatest legacy is the exemplary life he led and the love
he shared.

Jim loved both spam and peanut butter and pickle sandwiches. He was an 89-year-old
true believer in Santa Claus. He started Christmas shopping the day after Christmas.
He was the unofficial official Amish ambassador when anyone came to visit, sharing
unforgettable stories about the people he met, the 100 pounds of cheese he bought,
and the history of the Amish community he truly loved and respected. He was the one
who always stood with Grandma at the top of the hill to stay for “the waving part” – a
Davis family tradition when you had to say goodbye. He was an avid golfer, achieving
multiple holes-in-one. Jim had a list for EVERYTHING. He was a gentleman farmer who
had a passion for his garden, eating ripe, red tomatoes off the vine, and the birds he
loved to feed. Quick-witted and full of loving humor, Jim always found the bright side
and shared his light with others. His compassion and kindness touched all who knew
him.

Jim was born on July 17, 1934. He started in the newspaper business as a paper boy
for the former Daily Times at the tender age of eight. After graduating from New
Philadelphia High School in 1952, Jim attended Bowling Green University where he
earned degrees in microbiology and journalism, as well as participated in the Pi Kappa
Alpha Fraternity. Upon college graduation in 1956, Jim served his country in the United
States Army. During this time, he met his “Kansas Sunflower” of 65 years, Ruth Marie
Roether, at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. They married in Perry, Oklahoma on January
26, 1959. Following his honorable discharge from the army, Jim and Ruth returned to
Dover where they would create lifelong friendships and raise five onery children.
Jim started working as a reporter for the Daily Reporter in Dover. He was part of the
1968 merger with the Daily Times and Daily Reporter, and after 40 years, Jim retired in
1999 as the Editor of the Times Reporter and the Massillon Independent. Jim served on
or was a member of numerous civic, business, and service organizations, including the
Dover Jaycees, Tuscarawas County Community Improvement Corporate (CIC),
Tuscarawas County United Way, Tuscarawas County YMCA Board, and delivered
Mobile Meals through April 2024.

Jim’s spirit is carried on by his wife Ruth, and his five children: daughters Tracy Siebold
of Egg Harbor Township NJ, Kristy Hammond (husband Matthew) of Loveland, and
Melanie Curlee (husband Louis) of Dover; sons Craig (wife Barbara) of Dover, and
James (wife Jen) of Dover. He was the beloved Papa to 21 grandchildren and 16 great-
grandchildren: Mallory Mehio (husband Mazen, children Farah and Ashar); Benjamin
Davis (wife Marcy, children Eden, Elijah, Ezra, and Elliyah); Timothy Davis (wife
Vanetta, children Ian and Lauren); Joseph Hammond (wife Regan and son Theodore);
James Hammond (wife Halley); Jacob Hammond; Jonathan Hammond; Danielle Davis
(children Jaxon, Easton, Keaton, and Ruston); Gabrielle Ferguson (husband Lee,
children Hadley, Rowyn, and Walker Jack); Hannah Ellis (husband Zach); Isabelle
Curlee (future husband Brett Alltop); Grace Curlee; and Hank Curlee. He is survived by:
Sister Shirley Krantz; brother-in-law Carl Pissocra; sister-in-law Jane Roether; and
many beloved nieces, nephews, and family friends. In addition to his parents, Jim was
preceded in death by: sister Marilyn Pissocra; brothers-in-law Alan Krantz, Doc Roether,
and Doug Roether; and sister-in-law Dorothy Don Roether.

A graveside service will be held with immediate family members.

Jim delighted in other people’s joy, especially when he could contribute to it – With this
in mind, Jim requested friends and family to celebrate the joy life brings together at
Hoodletown Brewery Company in Dover on July 21, 2024. And as always, the Davis
family will be there until the very end, ready to participate in “the waving part.”
The entire Davis family extends its sincere gratitude to the dedicated and
compassionate medical community at the Cleveland Clinic’s Union Hospital, especially
Dr. Joseph Zemis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests friends and family consider
donating to the Community Hospice (Truman House).