James Dale Davis' Obituary
James (Jim) Dale Davis, 84, from Tulsa, OK passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 11, 2023. He was born on March 31, 1939, in Amarillo, TX. While in high school, Jim was voted the MVP of his baseball team. He also led his American Legion team to 2 Texas State Championships. Upon graduation from Amarillo High School, Jim was awarded a scholarship to play baseball at Southern Methodist University. He later transferred to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK where he continued to play baseball. While attending NSU, Jim made many lifelong friends that he cherished dearly until his death. Most importantly, while at NSU, Jim met the love of his life, Ruth Guthrie, whom he later married.
Upon graduating from college with his bachelor’s degree in business administration, Jim had an opportunity to play baseball professionally but chose to begin his life with Ruth instead. The newlyweds moved to Los Angeles, CA to begin their teaching careers where he taught typing in the LA County school system.
In order to be closer to family, Jim and Ruth moved back to Tulsa where Ruth continued to teach. Jim went to work for Sooner Pipe and Supply. He loved his time there and made many dear friends. He then transitioned into his role at Shell Oil Company working in human resources before being recruited by his friend from NSU, Jerry Mitchell, to be a State Farm Insurance agent where Jim had a very successful 30-plus-year career as an agent. He was frequently recognized at the national convention by leadership for his agency’s high performance—annual trips earned as rewards for sales allowed him to take his family all over the world. During this time, he and Ruth were also very involved at 1st Baptist Church in downtown Tulsa. He played on many church and business baseball, basketball, and softball teams which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Jim and Ruth were part of a group of families that worked with 1st Baptist Church to plant South Tulsa Baptist church. He was so happy to see that church thriving and growing to this day. Later, they joined another new church, which at the time was meeting at Metro Christian Academy, called Liberty Church. Jim’s love for Jesus led him into leadership positions within the church and fueled a desire to travel to numerous foreign countries where he was able to share the gospel of Christ. He was at his happiest late in life when Liberty Church joined with The Gathering to form Anthem Church. The joy he had seeing a building he helped build filled with laughing children and young families was unmistakable.
Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife Ruth Davis, his parents Kent and Lela Davis, sister Dorothy Wicker, father and mother-in-law Stacy and Nanabelle Guthrie.
He is survived by his daughter Christy Gilliam of Tulsa, daughter Julie Frohrip and husband John of Tulsa. Grandchildren Davis and Ashleigh Frohrip and their son August, Madeline Frohrip, Jackson Gilliam, and Charlie Gilliam as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, May 19th, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Anthem Church, 7777 S Garnett, Broken Arrow, OK 74012
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