James Otis Davis

James Otis Davis

Jim passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, at his home in Spearman, Texas. There will be a register book for signing on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Spearman. A memorial service will be on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Spearman with Rev. Byron Potter officiating.

Jim was born on September 11, 1936, in Memphis, Texas, to William Carlton Davis and Mattyelue Clem Davis. He graduated from Memphis High School in 1955 and then attended the University of Arizona in Tucson on a football scholarship. In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps active reserve program, being sworn in during the KGNC television show Cotton John Farm and Ranch on February 25 in Amarillo, Texas. Jim was not deployed but was stationed in Seattle, Washington as a military guard. One memorable assignment was serving at the entrance to the Colombo Conference, attended by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1958.

In 1959, Jim relocated to Spearman with his brother-in-law, Burl McClellan, where they co-founded the Hansford Plainsman newspaper. During this time, he became actively involved in his community, taking on leadership roles such as President of the Lions Club and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was also a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Spearman, serving as a deacon, teaching Sunday school, and participating in various church committees. In 1967, Jim sold the newspaper to Billy Miller and transitioned into farming. In 1973, Jim bought farm land in Ochiltree County.

While farming, he continued actively participating in his community. He served as President of the Spearman Independent School District Board of Trustees and as a director and President of the Hansford County Farm Bureau.

In 1963, Jim married Linda Vanderburg of Spearman. They had twin daughters, Jan Lou and Jean Ann, born in 1965, and a son, James Everett, born in 1967.

His brother, William Carlton Davis, and his sister, Beryle Ann McClellan, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; his son, James Davis of Spearman; his daughter, Jan, and her husband, Darryl Campbell of Kennedale; and his daughter, Jean, and her husband, Rick Bracy of Weatherford.

Grandchildren include Cassandra and her husband, Carlton Bryant, along with their children, Landin and Vera Bryant; Taylor and his wife, Pamela Thibeau, and their child, Elias Thibeau; step-grandsons Dakota and Dalton Cleere; Mitzi and her husband, Andre Nel, along with their children, William and Louise Nel; and Mindi Bracy, DVM. Family suggests memorials be to Spearman Fire Department.