Jessie James Davis was born on August 1, 1942, in Autaugaville, Alabama, to the late Ovetta and Essie Davis, Sr. He was the second child born to this union.

He grew up in Alabama and attended public schools there. For hobbies, Jessie loved hunting, fishing, boating, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors. Jessie met and fell in love with Veola Dillard. They were united in holy matrimony in 1962. To this union three children were born: Gerald, Lisa, and Karen.

Jessie moved to Lansing in 1965, where he began his career at Motor Wheel Corporation. After his retirement from Motor Wheel in 1980, he continued as a faithful employee at Clark Construction Company. He was a plaster tender for approximately 15 years and worked on several projects such as remodeling the Jackson prison and the Radisson Hotel. Because of his craftsmanship, he was affectionately called "mud man" by his coworkers.

Jessie confessed Christ at an early age and joined Harmony Baptist Church, in Autaugaville, Alabama. After moving to Michigan, Jessie was baptized and a faithful member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Climmie Hughes in 1973. On July 1, 2016, Jessie was baptized in Jesus' name and rededicated his life to Christ under the leadership of his brother, Pastor Robert Davis.

He was a loving, and devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. After a long illness, Jessie departed this life on November 23, 2016, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing, surrounded by his loving family.

Jessie was preceded in death by his parents, Essie and Ovetta Davis; wife Veola Davis; daughter, Lisa Davis; and sister, Rosia Davis-Richardson. He leaves to cherish his precious memory: two children, Gerald and Karen; five grandchildren, Montrail, Sharie, Marquies, Jeremiah, and Carmella; four brothers, Essie (Gerlin), Eddie (Veola), Julius (Linda), and Robert; four sisters; Costella Williams (Joe) of Montgomery, Alabama, Annie Bodiford, Jean Harris (Marvin), and Lucy Helton all of Lansing, Michigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other special family and friends.

Mr. Jessie James Davis will lie in repose Wednesday, November 30, 2016 from 1-6pm at Riley Funeral Home, 426 West Saint Joseph Street, Lansing, Michigan.  Funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 11:00am at Bethlehem Temple Church, 1518 South Washington Avenue, Lansing, Michigan.  The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the funeral.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com .