James Franklin Davis, 84, of De Soto died Nov. 9, 2023, in St. Louis. Mr. Davis worked as a truck driver until retirement. He was a member of Teamsters 618, VFW and the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, shoot pool, reading his Bible and spending time with family and friends. Born Nov. 25, 1938, in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., he was the son of the late William F. and Mary L. (Nanny) Davis. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years: Pearly Velma Dutch (Holt) Davis.
He is survived by a son: Michael J. (Jackie) Davis of Cedar Hill; a daughter: Brenda A. (Jerry) Shirley of Pensacola, Fla.; a son-in-law: Carl W. Pitman Sr. of Festus; two brothers: John G. (Wanda) Davis of Lemay and Charles A. Davis of De Soto; a sister: Bonnie P. Holt of De Soto; and seven grandchildren: Jeremy Davis, Lindsay Davis, Shane Turner, Shawn Stanfield, Chris Pitman, Carl Pitman Jr. and Phillip Pitman.
He was preceded in death by a daughter: Debra J. Pitman; two brothers: Robert E. (Gloria) Davis and Anthony D. Davis; a sister: Frankie L. (Roy) Lorins; and a son-in-law: Ray Holt.
Visitation is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Mahn Funeral Home, 900 N Main, in De Soto. Services are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the funeral home, officiated by Johnny Hayes. Burial will take place in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4207 Lindell Blvd. 63108. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home in De Soto.