Jimmy L. Davis

Jimmy Lee Davis, 75, of Chetopa, passed away at 5:49 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 14, 1941 near Melrose, Kansas to George William and Flossie Lucille (Lancaster) Davis.  He graduated from Chetopa High School in 1960.  He then attended Connors State Junior College in Warner, Oklahoma on a football scholarship and earned an Associate degree.  While attending college, his teammates fondly referred to him as "Smoothie".

On May 13, 1961 he married the love of his life, Bertie Ray Sexton, in Chetopa.  Following marriage, they moved to Pittsburg where Jimmy attended and graduated from Pittsburg State University.

He was a Jack-of-all-trades and worked at several jobs.  As a teenager, he worked in the forestry service in Idaho.  For many years, Jimmy volunteered as a Chetopa fireman.  Through the years, he and his brothers constructed several homes in Chetopa and the surrounding area.  He also worked at the Port of Entry in Chetopa.  Most recently, Jimmy worked as a Building Trades instructor at Labette County High School in Altamont where he earned the name "J.D." from his students. After teaching for 14 years, he retired.

He was a family man.  He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with all of his heart.  He volunteered many hours coaching and helping Chetopa youth sports and drove many miles to watch his grandkids play ball.  For many years, he enjoyed playing "Santa Claus" to the Chetopa residents, both young and old.  He enjoyed going to auctions, flea markets, and sales, and in later years refurbishing lights.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Bertie Davis, of the home; daughters, Jana Logan and her husband, Fred, of Miami, OK and Greta Howard, and her husband, Gary, of Commerce, OK; son, Denzil Davis, of Granby, MO; grandchildren, Shanna Sanders and her husband, Lucas, Miami, OK, Laura Bullard and Kevin Mannaerts, of Guangzhou, China, Erin Millarr and husband, Brandon, Bluejacket, OK, Garret Davis and wife, Danielle, Chesapeake, VA, Kylie Crinnian and husband, Eric, Kansas City, MO, Raiden and Railee Davis, Granby, MO and Tyson and Marcus Howard of Commerce, OK; great-grandchildren, Meagan Hernandez, Lauren and Logan Kirk and Landon Sanders of Miami, OK, Bella Bullard and Luka Mannaerts of Guangzhou, China, Zachary, Connor, Jessa and Emma Millarr, Bluejacket, OK, and Liam Davis, Chesapeake, VA; three brothers, George Davis and James Rupert, both of Chetopa, KS and  Buddy Rupert of Welch, OK; and  one sister, Susie Poor, of Chetopa, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George William Davis, Flossie Lucille Rupert, and Wayne Denzil Rupert; grandparents, W.C. and Roanna Lancaster; four brothers, Bobby Davis, David Davis, Richard Davis, and Danny Davis; and a dear friend, Manford Evans.

The family will receive from 6-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Chetopa.  Following cremation, committal services will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Oswego Community Hospital.  These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Onine condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.