James F. Davis

James F. Davis, devoted husband of 51 years to Virginia Craveiro Davis, joined his beloved son, John Nicholas Davis, in eternal peace and care of our Lord on September 9, 2023. He passed away at Rhode Island Hospital at 82 years of age.

Born in Binghamton, NY, he was the son of the late Frederick and Julia Ruth (Carpenter) Davis. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Maria Kathleen Davis of Bristol; granddaughter Cora Grace Davis; nieces and nephews Thomas (Denise) Closson, Patrick (Angela) Closson, James (Darlene) Closson, John (Amy) Closson, Christina Craveiro, Sarah Craveiro, Adam Craveiro, Laura Craveiro, Caitlin Craveiro, and Brendan Craveiro; brother-in-law John (Colleen) Craveiro and sister-in-law Mary Craveiro. Jim was predeceased by his sister Judy (Charles) Closson, and brother-in-law David Craveiro.

Jim was a graduate of Utica Catholic Academy in Utica, NY and received a Bachelor’s from St. Michael's College in Santa Fe, NM. He received Master’s degrees in Irish Studies from Providence College and ESL/Cross Cultural Studies from Brown University. He was employed as an English and history teacher at Bristol High School, St. Andrew’s School, Bristol-Warren Regional, and as adjunct faculty member at Roger Williams University.

Jim was a dedicated husband, loving father and grandfather, and passionate teacher. He was a dynamic educator who could make the seemingly mundane extraordinary. Jim was a voracious reader whose interests were limitless. Known for his breadth of knowledge of history and literature, he traveled and visited all of Western Europe, The British Isles, Ireland, The Azores, Morocco, Mexico, and Machu Picchu, Peru. Jim was also a talented artist, gardener, florist, and poet. He was truly a man for all seasons.

Jim will be remembered for his contagious humor, incomparable wit, and loyalty to his family. His social conscience made him a fierce advocate for marginalized people. A charismatic soul and master storyteller, one of his greatest joys was bantering with his precious granddaughter, Cora Grace.

Visiting hours are Thursday, September 21, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the George C. Lima Funeral Home in Bristol, RI. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 22, at 10:00 AM from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street. Burial to follow at Juniper Hill Cemetery.

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