Smyrna, DE – James Calvin Davis, “Jimmy,” age 80, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at home, surrounded by family, after a very lengthy, progressive illness that he fought so hard against – to prove his love for life, family, and those dearest to him.
Born March 7, 1946, in Dover, DE, to the late Alvin E. Davis and Agnes G. Davis, Jimmy attended Smyrna School District schools and later settled into his full-time role on the family farm.
In addition to his work on the family farm, in the evenings and weekends, Jimmy thoroughly enjoyed his time, for several years, racing Standardbred Horses, notably, his favorite, “Ripping Harry,” across several racetracks in the Mid-Atlantic Area. This time
period was filled with a sense of pride, multiple accomplishments, and fulfilling a family tradition, as not only was it hard work and travel, but it was a reflective time for many great memories, – not to mention a late night bowl of lima beans as a reward, with family that were still awake! In the late 1980s, as the horse racing industry started to see a decline, Jimmy transitioned to a job at Joseph Wick Nurseries in Smyrna. Later, he settled into a very fulfilling job at Hoober Equipment in Middletown, DE. It was there that he acquired a wonderful work family that he admired so deeply, became one of the firsts in line at the Helen’s Sausage House truck visits, and was affectionately referred to as “Butter Bean!” His hard work and dedication was wonderfully celebrated at his official retirement party in 2010.
Jimmy met the love of his life, Kay, at the Sassasfras Dance Hall, just over the line in Maryland, where she still remembers him entering the door in his small, printed plaid jacket, paying the $2 entrance fee, while she sat with dreamy eyes, ready to take to the dance floor! These dance moments became the escalation to their amazing 52 years of marriage (married in 1973 at Delaney’s Methodist Church, in Clayton, DE) that ultimately, without a doubt, will always define the notion of “True Love!” This passion for dancing and partnership continued as their joint hobby as they later “Cut the Rug” at various Moose Lodges and at Sam’s Picnic Grounds where they just loved to dance The Jitterbug and The Twist, especially along with a favorite band, The Jones Boys. Anyone that marveled in their dance moves, and love in their eyes during every slow dance that he took his glasses off, with only a loving, silent smile, while offering his hand in dance, can also affirm, that Jimmy, quite often, would love to surprisingly, with a grin of his own, steal the microphone and sing, with much emphasis, “Itsy, Bitsy, Teenie, Weenie, Yellow, Polkadot Bikini!” Always in good fun, and with lots of laughs along the way, and stories to come home with and share! Jimmy and Kay remained inseparable!
Jimmy grew up with a steadfast and determined model of hard work ethic; so naturally, that continued on into his hobbies. As a collector of model toy tractor replicas, he also took immense pride in restoring and painting antique tractors for fellow neighbors in the agricultural community. He had a great sense of satisfaction in traveling to antique tractor shows and pulls, especially, the Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Show in Easton, MD., where he took joy in putting his own and family tractors on display (Allis-Chalmers, Oliver, Massey Ferguson). These same tractors were used when the snow piled up, or a garden needed tilling, on Alley Mill Road, as he absolutely loved helping his neighbors, in more ways than one! Speaking of neighbors, Jimmy’s garden was his masterpiece and pride and joy! After a hard day’s work, he found peace wrapping the runners of his lima beans to produce a plentiful harvest that would allow him to spread the bounty, while also enjoying fellowship with his community of friends and family. Jimmy was a wonderful example of how intertwining strong worth ethic, deep, grounded ambition, and desire to help others, resulted in a recipe for true happiness for oneself and community!
In addition to his beloved and inspiring parents, Alvin & Agnes Davis, Jimmy is preceded in death by his youngest brother, Richard H. Davis, at age 6.
Jimmy is survived by his immensely loving wife, Kay Davis, and two grateful and loving sons, Robert J. Davis (Jen) and Billy A. Davis (Brian Lessard, Jr.,) along with his two grandchildren that he loved with his whole heart, Kaylee and Kolbey Davis. In addition,Jimmy is survived by his five siblings; Grace Gray of Smyrna, DE, Bernard Davis of Clayton, DE, Eddie Davis (Kathy) of Smyrna, DE, Carolyn Spray (George) of Rock Hall, MD, and Diane Karp of Wilmington, DE; Along with the best and most supportive in-laws, Donald Carden (Denise) and Carolyn Shaffner (George) of Townsend, DE, as well as several nieces, nephews, close family friends, neighbors, and co-workers that were always there to share a smile, offer support, and make his heart happy!
The family would like to offer tremendous gratitude to Accent Care Hospice (Jameel and Kristen) for their extended period of hands-on, passionate care for “Jimbo, “ as they worked alongside Kay to assist her, comfort her, and direct her to lead a daily direction of happiness and normalcy even when the days were hard.
Friends and family are invited to Faries Funeral Home in Smyrna, DE on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 for visitation beginning at 11 a.m., with service beginning at noon, with burial immediately following at Odd Fellows Cemetery.
As a culmination of his love, and life-long passion of gardening; flowers, plants, and anything gardening related is how he personally noted he would wish to be honored.