James "Jim" Leroy Davis

James Leroy Davis

December 28, 1933 – January 8, 2024

James (Jim) Leroy Davis 90 of Union City, IN passed away January 8, 2024, after a short illness. Jim was born December 28, 1933, to Robert and Miriam (Jobes) Davis. He married the late Lois Ann (Shockney) Davis on May 16, 1958.

Although born in Dayton, OH, he spent his whole life living and working in Union City. Passing papers as a young boy, he knew every person on his route. He attended Miami-Jacobs Business College in Dayton and began work at The Farmers State Bank in 1952 as a bank teller. He spent 47 years at the bank eventually becoming bank president and CEO, retiring in 1999. Jim’s happy face was a familiar site to all when they entered the bank.

Jim’s services to the community were extensive.

He was a member of the Randolph Eastern School Board serving from 1976–1988 and during his tenure he held the positions of president, vice-president, and secretary of the board.

As a devout member of the Wesley United Methodist church, Jim served on finance and planning councils, member of multiple committees, assisted with youth activities, sang in the choir, and of course was a frequent and long serving greeter on Sunday mornings. Most recently he volunteered with the Agape Store.

Jim’s reach went beyond Union City as he was a founding board member of the Community Foundation of Randolph County, Inc., a position he held for 10 years. During his tenure he oversaw the growth of the foundation which is now a multi-million-dollar foundation that serves many entities throughout the county.

He was also active with the Union City Preservation Society selling tickets, taking cash (of course), or serving as a host for many events. Same is true for his service to the Art Association of Randolph County. Jim was also an active and longtime member of the Union City Kiwanis Club and helped Rotary sell sausages at Heritage Days and at the Cruise In’s sponsored by the Downtown Revitalization Group. He also volunteered for Everheart Hospice.

Jim routinely drove veterans, friends, and cancer victims to appointments in Muncie, Richmond, Indianapolis, Dayton, or wherever needed. He was also a host at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Winchester for 10 years, assisting patients and greeting visitors. Service to the community and others was his calling and he was always willing and ready to help wherever he could.

In retirement, Jim was able focus on the things that meant the most to him, which included travel, fishing, and spending time with his sons and grandchildren. He took annual fishing trips with friends to Canada and many fishing trips with his family to Minnesota and Canada, telling all he was a pike fisherman. He took trips with his sons and friends to Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, and Australia, and snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef. Planning a big trip is what gave Jim joy, and he enjoyed the planning and talking about it as much as the actual trip. His kids and grandchildren all share that same passion.

Survivors include his three sons; Paul (Connie) Davis of Sandusky, OH; Todd (Kimberly) Davis of Kewadin, MI; Neil Davis of Lebanon, IN. Jim also had four terrific grandchildren: Kelsy Davis of DeWitt, MI; Keifer (Chloe) Davis of Mason, MI; Reagan Davis (fiancé Levi) of Lebanon, IN; and Luke Davis of Lebanon, IN; and two very special great-grandchildren; Harrison Lock of DeWitt, MI and Kaia Day of Lebanon, IN. Jim also has many nieces and nephews who loved him very much.

Friends may call on Friday, January 19 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Reichard Funeral Home, 400 W. Deerfield Road, Union City, IN, and on Saturday, January 20 from 10:00-11:00 am. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am. Burial to take place at Union City Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Randolph County Community Foundation, PAWS animal rescue, or Everheart Hospice of Darke County.

Memories may be expressed online at www.reichardfh.com.