James Davis

Dr. James “Jim” Fred Davis entered into rest on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the age of 66 at MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown. Born in Decatur, Georgia, Jim was the beloved son of Ruth “Jean” Davis and the late Fred Davis. He spent his early years in the Atlanta area, where his lifelong love of knowledge and service first began to shine.

Jim was a man whose life was marked by an insatiable desire to learn and a calling to serve others. He pursued his education with passion, beginning at Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC, before earning his master’s degree from Clemson University. He went on to receive his doctorate in Microbiology, DNA, and Immunology from the USC School of Medicine. Jim shared his expertise at USC Medical School, inspiring countless students with both his knowledge and his enthusiasm for discovery.

Beyond the classroom, Jim’s commitment to others was unwavering. He served with Homeland Security in South Carolina during the September 11, 2001 attacks, offering his skills in a time of great national need. Yet, his greatest joy came from his lifelong work as a paramedic, a role he began at just 17 years old. For nearly five decades, he faithfully cared for those in need, offering comfort, skill, and hope in moments of crisis. Most recently, he served with dedication at Fort Jackson in Columbia, continuing his mission of saving lives until his final day.

Outside of his professional calling, Jim found peace and joy in the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, or simply appreciating the natural world, he valued the quiet gifts of creation as much as the calling to serve his community.

Jim will be remembered as a man who never stopped learning, teaching, mentoring or serving others. His life was a testament to dedication, compassion, and the quiet strength of a servant’s heart.

Jim is survived by his mother Ruth “Jean” Davis of Old Fort, NC; sister, Linda Turner (Mark) of Flowery Branch, GA; brother, Robert Davis (Amy) of Old Fort, NC; nieces and nephews, Wesley Turner, Christopher Turner, Emily Davis, Anderson Davis, and Henry James Davis; and uncles, Vernon and Ralph Davis.

A funeral service honoring Jim’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Cherry Springs Baptist Church in Old Fort. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service, from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. Following the service, interment will take place in the church cemetery, Cherry Springs Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/