James Alvin Davis, age 78 of Moorefield, WV, passed away May 12, 2025 at his residence with his loving family at his side. Born on March 29, 1947, in Ripley, WV and reared in Ravenswood & Belleville, WV, he was the son of the late George Wellington Davis and Genevieve Baker Davis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father & mother-in-law, Grover and Gladys Rosencrance of Elkins, WV.
Jim, known to many, graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1965. After graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee in the Construction Battalion. He was baptized in the Red China Sea during his second tour in Vietnam, as he felt he would not make it home.
At the end of his enlistment and after returning home from Vietnam, he became a Department of Natural Resources Officer for two years. He then joined the WV State Police and retired with 23 years of service, serving the citizens of West Virginia in many locations throughout the state. He maintained membership in the WV Troopers Association and the American Troopers Association.
He was a lover of all kinds of wildlife as he studied them and had a broad knowledge of wildlife from all over the world. He loved to hunt with a muzzleloader rifle and in years past he and his family camped in an 18-foot teepee, attending many National Rendezvous on the East coast. The memories and friendships made brought many fond memories over the years and he was a member of the National Muzzleloaders Rifle Association.
Jim was a wood worker and learned this craft as a young man from his father. He continued this love of building as he started “Davis Construction Company”, owning and operating this business for 16 years. He built many beautiful homes in Hardy and Hampshire County over the years.
Jim was attending the Rig Assembly of God Church and was a member of the Moorefield Church of the Brethren. During his many years as a member of the Moorefield Church of the Brethren, he served on the board, was a member of the choir, started the first “children’s Church” program and implemented the first church directory. His woodworking skills can still be seen today as the large wooden Cross and the attendance board were from his handy work.
Jim kept a beautiful yard and his flowers were beautiful every year especially his elephant ears, which would often grow to over 7 feet tall.
Surviving is his loving wife of 48 years, Debra Sue Rosencrance Davis; a son, Jesse Andrew (Tynelle) Davis of Apple Valley, CA; a daughter, Sunday Dyann (Diane) Davis of Greenville, WV; a brother, Steven W. (Susie) Davis of Cameron, WV; a sister, Jane Ann (Paul) Pigott of Belleville, WV and a granddaughter, Ava Caroline Davis. Ava, being the only grandchild, was so special to Jim and his pride for her and his love were immeasurable.
Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Jo Ellen Troutman of Hyndman, PA and Dena (Wilson) Collett of Elkins, WV; a brother-in-law, Buddy (Pam) Rosencrance of Mill Creek, WV; several nieces and nephews and one very special great-nephew, Dominic Bennett.
The family will receive friends from 4 – 7 PM Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Washington Street, Moorefield. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the funeral home with Pastor Brad Taylor, officiant. Interment will follow with Military Graveside Rites accorded by the U. S. Navy, the Moorefield Veteran’s Honor Guard & the West Virginia State Police in the Olivet Cemetery.
Memorials in Jim’s honor may be made to the WV Troopers Association, “Jim Davis Memorial”, PO Box 596, Kearneysville, WV 25430. To offer condolences, share memories, or upload photos in honor of Jim’s extraordinary life, visit his Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com and celebrate the impact he made on all those around him. He fought a courageous battle with cancer from being exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and now rests in the arms of his Savior, free from all pain and sorrow, rejoicing in the presence of the Almighty.
