James F. Davis, Esq.

James was born to Willie and Edith Davis on December 9, 1946 in Cincinnati, Ohio, as the eighth of 13 children. He was raised in the ways of Christ by a faithful family and James accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. He was then baptized at the Bethesda Baptist Church in the West End of Cincinnati, setting his compass towards God.

James loved being physically and mentally active. He enjoyed swimming at the Lincoln Center as a young boy, and then developed a love for playing tennis as an adult. He could spend the day reading a heavy book, and then be ready to move at the skating rink.

James had a calling for education. He was an excellent academic student and encouraged education as a way to uplift the community. James started his early education at the Sands School in the West End and graduated from Taft High School in 1965. He then graduated from the University of Cincinnati, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Math. However, his life moved him to a different area of service. He graduated in 1975 from Ohio Northern College of Law. With his compass pointed North, he would ultimately use his education to protect and defend our community for truth and justice. He was a member of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and served on multiple boards and committees around the Cincinnati community. He finally retired from the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office as the Chief Trial Counselor. James was known as a legal advocate for the community.

Along the way, he tutored, mentored and encouraged countless youth. He also taught civil rights law history to students at the University of Cincinnati. He was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and he believed in giving back and keeping our community connected. He spent his retirement searching for ways to continue serving and was delighted to tutor high school students at New Prospect Baptist Church, and sponsor students for the summer STEM Program.

James was a kind, generous and life-loving man — “a cool dude.” He was always willing to help someone in need, committed and passionate about what he did for the world. He lived by serving others and treating others in a way that he thought was truly Christian. He cherished his family and friends and especially loved his time with his grandchildren. He was equally loved by his family and friends. His memory will be deeply cherished and his impact never forgotten.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father; sisters, Shirley Davis and Deborah Andrews; brothers, Willie Davis, Jr., Allan Davis, Jonathan Davis and Timothy Davis; and bonus son, Malachi Black (Eileen).

James leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Eileen Davis; his children, Chad Gray, Jason Davis, Sr. (Brandy), Brandon Davis, Lesley Gibson (Roderick), bonus daughter, Angie Rivers (Eileen); grandchildren, DeAnthony Nance, Jason Davis, Jr., Althea Davis, Roderick Gibson III and Rylan James Gibson; great-grand-child; brothers, Nathaniel Davis and Vernon Davis; sisters, Edith Smith, Leah Dennis-Ellsworth (Michael), Cheryl Worrell and Paula Lillybridge (John); sister-in-law, Marlene Davis; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. James will be loved and missed by all!

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