James Gail Davis

James “Jim” Gail Davis, 76, passed away on the 1st of December, 2022, in Boise, ID, his home for over 40 years.  

Jim was born in Kentucky and raised mainly by his sister and a family friend affectionately known as “Dad Brown.” He met Susan, the love of his life, in college at the University of Ohio. He swept her off her feet, literally with a number of motorcycle rides, eventually marrying in September of 1967. Jim and Sue were married over 55 years, raising two children, Greg and Eric. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Susan, his sons Greg (wife Brooke) and Eric (wife Jessica), grandsons Jacob and Austin (wife Ashley), granddaughters Paige and Mya, and newborn great-grandson James. 

Jim was an early, largely self-taught, programmer. He started in the era of punch cards, working on driver’s licensing and government systems for multiple states and in multiple countries, including Germany and Canada. His computer science career enabled his love of travel: Sue and Jim explored every state in the United States, and traveled throughout Europe while living in Germany. 

In addition to his love of travel, Jim was an avid photographer, puzzler, tinkerer, cinephile, lover of nature, and lover of planes. His love of aeronautics lead him to get his pilot’s license in the 70s, and lose many model planes in the mountains of Idaho in the 80s and 90s. He drove all over the country for work and for pleasure, logging over 450,000 miles in his iconic Toyota Tercel. 

Jim was a smart, funny, and mischievous person, up to the very end. He will be well remembered for his devotion and care for his wife, his dedication to his career, his respect and love for nature, and his orange fishing hats.

A memorial service will be held for Jim at the Relyea Funeral Chapel at 318 N. Latah Street, Boise, ID 83706 on 8 December at 3:00PM. We will follow the short service at Idaho Pizza for more stories and remembrances. His burial in the Pioneer Cemetery in Idaho City will occur later in the Spring of 2023.