James Lee Davis' Obituary
James “Jim” Lee Davis, 74, of Largo, Florida sadly left us on August 21, 2022. Jim was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 25, 1947, to the late James Davis and Thelma Warren. His late wife, Diana, and brother-in-law, David, pre-decease him.
Jim is survived by and will be lovingly remembered by his life partner, Liz Cuskey; siblings Gail and Ingrid (Charlie); children Jeff (Chellane), Christina (Steve), and Laura (Tim); grandchildren Daniel (Melissa), Sophia, Kayla, Caden, Brandon and Mason; and great-grandchildren Catherine and Liam; dogs Cooper and Winnie.
Jim attended the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville and Professional Graduate Institutes in Tampa, Florida.
Affectionately known as Big Daddy by his employees and co-workers, he was a contractor by trade. Jim had over 50+ years of experience in the commercial and industrial construction field. He held a range of positions while working for PPB Inc out of Kentucky, before starting his own business; James L Davis Inc. in 1999. Jim served as owner and president of James L Davis, Inc. for over 20 years. His passion and knowledge of construction for cancer treatment centers was impressive. Jim was known for his long, entertaining stories, which he loved to repeat often. No matter where you traveled to with him, he knew exactly the best restaurant to visit. Famously opinionated and sometimes short-tempered, he was known for his timeless words of wisdom, including “Life is hard, but it’s harder if you’re stupid”.
Jim was a long standing, thirty-second degree Master Mason from Preston Lodge No. 281 in Louisville, Kentucky and an honorary member of Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 in Madeira Beach, Florida. He was also a member of the Egypt Shrine in Tampa, Florida.
One of his many joys was fishing. He proudly displayed his “many” rods and reels collection. He would tell you there was a reason for so many fishing poles; as you need a certain type of pole, with a certain type of lure to catch a certain type fish. Jim always brought the best fishing equipment along to share with everyone and enough food to feed an army. There will always be an empty spot on the charter boat for him.
As if Jim didn’t travel enough for work over the years, he loved cruising with Diana then Liz and meeting people all over the world.
His devout feistiness and stubbornness served him well throughout his life. These traits coupled with his generous, forgiving heart and never ending desire to entertain and feed friends and family made him the Jim/Dad/Papaw/Poppi we will always love. Even in his waning months, he was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of his journey here on earth.
He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many.
Visitation (1:00 to 3:00) and Service (3:00) to be held in his honor at Memorial Park Funeral Home (5750 49th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709) on Saturday, August 27, 2002.
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