James Rufus Davis

James Rufus Davis passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. James was 80 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret of almost 54 years, children and grandchildren, Donna Vallat and her husband, Richard (Gracelyn and Emily), Lauren Heller and her husband, Philip (Evelyn and Reid), and Brent Davis and his wife, Roslyn (Anthony) .

His siblings include Sue Graham and her husband, Edward, Donnie Davis and his partner Loretta Rodgers and his former sister-in-law, Cindy Davis, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, JT and Mary Helen Davis, and his sister, Rebecca Wofford.

James was born in Success, AR on October 19, 1944. He graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelors degree and went on to serve in the military as a Medical Specialist. Upon being honorably discharged, James attended school on the GI Bill to get his Masters in Business from Arkansas State University. He enjoyed a long career in Wealth Management before retiring at the age of 70.

He loved history, was particularly fond of early American History, and enjoyed reading biographies and non-fiction books about famous generals and political figures of the time. He also loved spending time with his family and watching Cardinals baseball. In his younger days, James enjoyed taking trips with his family, going to the beach, camping, and taking his kids fishing. James had a great sense of humor and was a faithful servant of the Lord. If he wasn’t reading a newspaper or a history book, you’d find James reading his Bible.

James will be honored in a series of services that reflect the profound impact he had on those around him. Visitation will take place on May 23, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home in St. Peters, Missouri. The following day, a Funeral Service will be held at First Baptist Church in O'Fallon, Missouri, starting at 11:00 AM and concluding at 12:00 PM. Immediately thereafter, a Graveside Service will commence at St. Charles Memorial Gardens at 1:00 PM, offering friends and family a final opportunity to pay their last respects and celebrate the life of a remarkable individual.

As we reflect on his life, let us be reminded of the many ways James enriched our lives and the indelible mark he leaves on our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research,https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout.