James “Jim” Edgar Davis passed away surrounded by family on February 19, 2023.
Jim was born to Bill and Bernice Davis of Kansas City, Missouri on May 15, 1951. He attended Rockhurst High School and College, majoring in biology and chemistry. While in high school, Jim met Mary Beth Yates and the two were married on June 22, 1973.
Mary Beth and Jim moved to Olathe, KS in the fall of 1981 where they raised four phenomenal children. Jim discovered one of his true loves when he started coaching football, eventually coaching several teams. He was president of the Olathe and Johnson County soccer clubs and served on the planning committee that founded the Heritage Soccer Park. As busy as he was with football, he always found time for his children’s other activities, even though he was far less critical of those dance performances than his football players.
In his later years, the Squirrels would say he earned the title of Grumpy Old Man as he chased them out of his 200 hostas. However, his grandchildren knew that their “Pops” would always provide more fruit snacks and other goodies than they could eat. He spent much of his time cheering loudly (yelling at the tv) for his beloved KU Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs and Sporting KC. His loved ones will miss his laughter and endless words of wisdom (whether you want to hear them or not), and will never forget his amazing dance moves.
Jim leaves his wife, Mary Beth Davis; four children Eric (Haley) Davis, Katie (John) Williams, Jamie (Gabe) Garrow, and Bridget (Travis) Smither; three grandchildren, Jori Williams, Callen Williams and Brogan Williams; Baby Garrow due to arrive in March; siblings Mary Cowherd and Bill (Patty) Davis; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in his death by his parents, Bill and Bernice Davis.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Cy Middleton Memorial Benefit Fund or the Olathe Animal Shelter.
