James R. Davis

James R. “Doc” Davis, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 23, 2020 at the Bent County Healthcare Center in Las Animas. James was born on May 7, 1931 in Deadwood, SD, to Hiland and Mabel (Daniels) Davis.

He grew up on a ranch near Upton, WY. James graduated from Upton High School with the class of 1949; then joined the Navy to serve in the Korean War. After the war, he attended the University of Wyoming. There he met Connie Lee (Gaylord) Davis. They married on December 27, 1956, to this union four children were born. James continued his education at Marquette University School of Dentistry.

The family moved to Burlington, Colorado, in 1961. James set-up a dental practice and Connie set-up a home. He hung a sign ‘open for business’ on his door and operated for 25 years in Burlington. In Burlington, he was a member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, VFW, Cooties, Knights of Columbus, chamber of commerce and served on the school board. In 1985, they moved closer to family in Las Animas, CO, to spoil their grandchildren and again opened a dental practice. In Las Animas, he became a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, VFW, Elks Lodge, school board member and active in the senior citizen’s hall. After retiring from dentistry, he was elected as the Bent County Coroner for many years.

James is survived by his son, Albert Hiland (Patricia) Davis of La Junta, CO; daughter, Jean (Kenny) Wagner of Las Animas; granddaughters, Jenna (Bart) White of Cheraw, CO and Shannon Wagner of Pueblo, CO; great granddaughters, Rylee Sue Wyckoff, Lakota and Willow White; great grandson, Cash White all of Cheraw, CO; sister, Mary Ellen (Ray) Osloond of Spearfish, SD: sister-in-law, Ella Mae Gaylord of Sundance, WY; and nephew Ray (Deborah) Osloond. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Connie Davis; and sons, Donald John and Kenneth James Davis.

Private family Rosary and Mass will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. followed by Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. both services will be at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Las Animas with Father Victor Raj officiating. Inurnment will be Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 714 Elm Street, Las Animas, CO, 81054. Condolence cards may be mailed to: The family of Jim Davis, 11470 Hwy 50, Las Animas, CO, 81054.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.