James Elmo Davis

James Elmo Davis, 85, passed away on March 24, 2013 at his home in Athens, Georgia.
He was born November 10, 1927 in Stephenville, TX to John Henry and Mary Wofford Davis. Jim grew up in Ellijay, GA and graduated from Gilmer County High School in Ellijay in 1945. After high school he joined the United States Marine Corp in 1945 and served for four years, including the end of World War II. He was discharged in 1949, achieving the rank of Corporal. While in the Marines, he played football at Quantico, VA and was captain of the All-Navy Championship team. He then joined the USAF in 1949 and served for three years. He was discharged in 1952, achieving the rank of Sergeant.
Mr. Davis attended the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS where he received a degree in History and Physical Education in 1956. He played football while at USM and received many accolades including being named in 1953 as a Mid-Bracket All American. Jim was also named to the USM Hall of Fame in 1997. He later earned a MA in History from Auburn University, a MA in Administration and an EdS in Administration from UGA.
Jim worked in Georgia Public Schools as a teacher and coach for seventeen years and as a high school principal for eight years before retiring in 1981. He went on to be the head football coach at Athens Christian School for five years leading them to two state football championships and being named Coach of the Year in 1985.
Jim married Mary Sanford of Mobile, AL in 1954 in Hattiesburg, MS. They were happily married for fifty-nine years. He was a member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed sports, hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his six brothers, Jay Rue Davis, Woodrow Davis, Ceylon Davis, Richard Davis, John Davis and Doug Davis.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Davis; daughters, Mary Jim (Jim) Gilstrap of Marietta, GA, Dana (Andy) Homeyer of Watkinsville, GA and Dawn (Dan) Horne of Watkinsville, GA; grandchildren Caroline Gilstrap Gorman, Suzanne Gilstrap Donaldson, Matt Horne, Andrew Homeyer, Mary Anne Horne Wolter, Katie Homeyer and Julianna Homeyer; great grandchildren, Bailey Gorman, Luke Donaldson, James Donaldson and Addison Gorman; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 165 Pulaski Street, Athens, GA at 2:00pm on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. The family will be greeting friends and relatives at the church from 1:00 until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Downtown Academy, a part of Downtown Ministries, 165 Pulaski Street, Athens, GA 30601.
Lord and Stephens, EAST, is in charge of arrangements.