James Davis
Presiding Elder James H. Davis age 79 of Washington County, FL passed away Thursday May 22, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
The Reverend Dr. James H. Davis, Presiding Elder, Retired
A devoted servant of God, a beloved husband, a caring father, grandfather, great grandfather, pastor, entrepreneur, and a community leader are but a few words to describe an extraordinary man, Rev. Dr. James H. Davis, Presiding Elder, retired who transitioned on May 22, 2025 at his residence in Vernon, Florida.
Born in Miller Ferry Vernon, Florida, on November 29, 1945, he was the son of the late James C. Davis and the late Annie R. Davis. At an early age, he was converted and baptized at Johnson Temple First Born Church of the Living God under the leadership of Bishop W.L. Johnson and later he joined Grant Tabernacle A.M.E. Church. His early commitment was a prelude to a lifetime of service to God.
In 1966, he married Mary Lee Jones (deceased), and from this union, three beloved children were born. He later found love and partnership with Mrs. Deborah K. Davis and together, they raised a loving and blended family.
He attended the Washington County Public Schools and upon graduation, attended Chipola Junior College. A committed lifelong learner, he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Gulf Coast Theological Seminary and Edward Waters College awarded him a Doctor of Divinity.
He served the following pastoral charges: Argyle Circuit (Argyle), Mt. Olive AMEC (Red Bay), Vernon Circuit (Vernon), Allen Chapel AMEC (MacClenny), Hurst Chapel AMEC (Pensacola), St. James AMEC (Marianna), Allen Chapel AMEC (Lake Wales), St. Paul AMEC (Coconut Grove), and St. James AMEC (Miami). The late Right Reverend McKinley Young appointed him Presiding Elder of the Suwannee-North District in the East Conference in 2006.
At the 11th Episcopal District Planning Meeting on December 1, 2007, he was transferred to the Pensacola-Panama City District; he then established the motto “The Friendly District Where the Holy Ghost Resides.” The Florida Conference established (3) presiding elder districts in 2010 and he was assigned to the new Pensacola-Marianna District. The Florida Conference established (4) presiding elder districts in 2015 and he was assigned to the Marianna District. His motto was “Never Give Up,” and he renamed the district the “Persevering Marianna District”.
Throughout his tenure, he dedicated himself to the community and inspired congregations to engage in service and outreach programs. His leadership fostered a spirit of unity and collaboration among the churches, encouraging members to embrace their roles as active participants in their neighborhoods. Under his guidance, the Persevering Marianna District transformed lives through various initiatives that addressed both spiritual and social needs. He renovated and upgraded the Allen-Hutchison AMEC District Office in Marianna, Florida.
Also, an astute, business-minded leader and critical thinker, he served as president of the Coconut Grove Ministerial Alliance and was a member of the General Conference Commissioner of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. As an active, community-conscious individual, he became the first black city commissioner and zoning board member in Marianna. Previously, he served as chair for the Board of Directors of the Coconut Grove Local Development Corp.
He was a man of deep conviction, unwavering in his commitment to God, his family, his calling and the community. He found joy in the outdoors and loved hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling. Earlier in life, he was the owner of Big D’s Record Shop & Seafood and an A/C & Refrigeration business. Above all, he cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren, taking great pride in nurturing their growth and celebrating their achievements.
His articulate and loving wife, Sister Deborah K. Davis (retired District Consultant), gave dedicated support to Him. She served as an energetic and servant-leader who always said, “Yes,” for the “Good of the Church.” After fifty-three years of faithful service, loving the Lord, preaching, teaching, and winning souls to Christ Jesus, he retired on December 16, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, James C. Davis and Annie R. Davis, siblings, Cecil Davis, Ronald Davis, Michael Davis, and Carol Riddick.
Those left with precious memories include his Wife: Deborah Kennedy Davis. Children: Barbara Davis, Tracey Ricketts, James Davis, Jason Davis, Ronald (Monique) Preer II. Grands: Alysha Bryant, Demetrices Whittaker, Winifer Weston, Samantha Dawson, Andre Hogue II, Malaysia Chinedu, James Davis Jr, Jazzimann Davis, Noriyeshia Harrison, PhalonDavis, Shanteria Davis, Jameshia Davis, Tyreana Davis, Jalen Davis, Jashun Davis, Jayden Davis, Michael Preer, Kaiya Preer. Great Grands: Allie Whittaker, Milani Kimbrough, Kenton McBryde, Rhyis Stoudemire, Kamariah Stoudemire, King Stoudemire, J’Adore Davis, Honestie Williams, Massiah Williams , Kaliyah Williams, Kyiun Jones, Blessyn Bostic, Karsen Houston. Siblings: Sherry (Ronald) Tolbert, Melissa Troublefield, Richard (Rosemary) Davis, Jim Henry Davis, Eddie D(Joann) Davis. Sisters-n-law: Shelia Davis, Denise Kennedy Vaughan. He is survived by (2) aunts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, friends, and beloved members of the congregations he led.
Special thanks extended to Mark Hylton and Emerald Coast Hospice Nurses, caregivers, and staff for all their support and warm love.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23