Jimmy R. Davis

Jimmy Randal Davis, age 73, of Orange Park Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. He was born in 1951 in Kentucky to the late Reid and Mary Davis, but considered himself a true Floridian having lived here for over 50 years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Tommy, big brother Richard, and dear sister Brenda and her husband Bob Miller, nephew Michael Miller and son in law Michael Sullivan. He also spent over 17 years in the search for and grief of his still missing son, Michael “Austin” Davis.

Surviving him and left to deeply feel his loss are his loving wife of almost 23 years, Monica, daughter Anita Davis Sullivan (John Mirance) and step-son Christoper Clark (Kelly) and adored grandchildren Drew, Ben and Sophia Sullivan. Surviving him is also sister in law Kay Davis, nephews Richard Davis and Robert Davis, and great niece Sidney Miller. Additional family and friends that were considered family from throughout periods of his life are too numerous to name. But he cherished them all.

He was very proud of his Appalachian roots and his family legacy of fighting for worker’s rights, especially in coal mining. He believed strongly in equality, believed the best in people, was generous with his support and friendship, and had a strong faith in God that remained no matter what challenges he faced. From a young boy, having epilepsy was a big part of his life that created difficulties ranging from seizures to a car accident that left him voiceless and forced multiple surgeries though the years. But he continued to overcome, including gaining his voice back though always talking in his signature raspy way,

Jim was a talented and prolific writer, who attended a technical college for electronics after high school in West Virginia. He began writing technical manuals and reports that not only helped him relearn his job when he once had amnesia from a long seizure, but also helped him build a distinguished career. That included 10 years as a defense contractor working on a missile tracking facility, while living in Mexico Beach, Florida with his young family. He then spent 27 years in civil service first focused on flight line security, and then Security and Antiterrorism for Naval Air Stations and Naval Carriers across the Navy Region Southeast. Among his many achievements include being awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal from the Department of the Navy, one of the Navy’s highest civilian honors.

Jim and Monica loved to host friends and family in their home, and often had many friends around to share good times. He especially loved time spent cheering on the Florida Gators and the Jacksonville Jaguars. In recent time, “Pops” was able to get to spend a bit more time with the grandkids who will miss hearing the stories of his life growing up, family history and career and having his daily texts of support for whatever was going on in their life and regular updates on Gator games.

He shared these with his daughter to read recently, and they summarized his faith and life well.

Psalm 107:6,9

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, And he delivered them out of their distresses. For he satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Psalm 107:1-2

O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.

1 John 4:8b

God is love.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Family and friends will gather to remember and celebrate Jim’s life on Sunday, March 16th at 1pm at The Church at Argyle at 6823 Argyle Forest Blvd in Jacksonville, Florida.