James "Jim" Trice Davis, Jr. passed away on June 30, 2026, in Houston, Texas, after 86 years of living an adventurous and loving life.

Jim was born in San Angelo, Texas, on April 5, 1940, to his parents, Rosemary and Trice (J.T.) Davis. He grew up in "the big city" of Mertzon, Texas, where he enjoyed playing 6-man football and trapping coons and ringtails, which he would sell for gas money. He made many memorable trips to Alpine and Marfa to visit his Aunt Hallie, Uncle Sonny, his grandmother Mimi, and the Mimbrosa Ranch.

Jim attended Texas A&M University, where he graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in Accounting. While at A&M, he proudly served in the Corps of Cadets and was a Head Yell Leader for the Fighting Texas Aggies. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree from the Wharton Graduate School of Finance in 1964.

His professional career began with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, before taking a role with a real estate investment company in Corpus Christi. However, the adventurous Jim was in no hurry to start the new job. Instead, he sailed his 25-foot cabin cruiser down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and along the Intercoastal Canal to get to Corpus Christi. He later moved to Dallas and began a long, successful career as the President of Lone Star Properties.

In 1992, at the age of 52, "the smart brother" retired and spent the next two years living on his 42-foot trawler, ‘Poco Loco’, traveling from San Diego to Galveston via the Panama Canal. During his travels, he wrote nine journals entitled ‘Latitudes & Attitudes’, which he sent back to relatives and friends. Loved ones would frequently join him at different ports of call. A friend to all and stranger to none, Jim once invited the lead singer of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band onto his boat around Costa Rica, who then proceeded to play "Mr. Bojangles" on his guitar.

Jim also made a round trip to Alaska, explored the American West a couple of times in his R.V., and stopped off in Ashland, Oregon, for a year or so.

Eventually, Jim settled in Kerrville, Texas, where he built his home, ‘Casa Pobre’, on 125 acres, featuring endless views. It was during this time that Jim authored his magnificent book, Why Didn't I Ask?. An extensive history of the Davis and Pool families, an irreplaceable treasure that he has given our entire family.

When Kerrville finally ran out of cigarettes and coffee, he moved to Lake Conroe to be closer to his two wild and crazy brothers, Bob and Tom.

Jim was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Marcia Petty and her husband Jerry; and, his nephew, John Petty.

He is survived by brother, Tom Davis; nephew, Thomas Davis and his wife Jessica; niece, Elizabeth Hopkins and her husband Mike; brother, Bob Davis and his wife Vickie; nephew, Jamie Alexander and his wife Majel; niece, Scarlett Talley and her husband Clayton; niece, Gay Rhodes and her husband, Thomas; niece, Rosemary Cunningham; and Kelly Petty. He is also survived by many beloved greatnephews, greatnieces, cousins, and dear friends, Mary Hodge, Margaret Mebus, Kay Misor, and Tommy Daniels.

The family wishes to thank Jim’s wonderful helper, Marcy Valdez, who provided care and love to him in his final years.

Those of us who were lucky enough to know and love Jim, might struggle to describe such a remarkably, inspiring man. But, these words, from loved ones, come as close as we can get:

Jim loved his family deeply and whole heartedly. He filled our lives with wonder, adventure, laughter, and joy, creating magical memories for all of us. He had a gift for telling wonderful stories, making ordinary moments extraordinary, and the memories he gave us will continue to bring us joy for years to come. He will always be a part of each of us.