Jan. 31, 1927 - Jun. 19, 2015
James Lowell “Jim” Davenport passed away in Las Vegas, NV on June 19th, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 88. He was born January 31, 1927 to James B. and Laura E. (Crew) Davenport in Oskaloosa, Iowa. His early working years included smoke jumping with the U.S. Forest Service in Coos Bay, Oregon, and serving with the U.S. Army’s 43rd Infantry Division in Richmond, Virginia as well as in Germany during the Korean War. He then lived in Denver, CO working for Gates Rubber Company as a Quality Auditor from 1952 to 1961, while completing his engineering degree. In 1961, he moved to Worland, Wyoming where he farmed and ranched until his retirement in 1985. He was an active member of the VFW (Life Member), Elks Lodge, and the Presbyterian Church, where he was an ordained Deacon and served as a ruling Elder from 1963 onward. While in Worland, he served two terms as a County Commissioner and as a Governor’s appointee on Wyoming’ Environmental Quality Council.
In retirement, he lived in Billings, MT (1988-1999); Carson City, NV (1999-2009); and in Las Vegas for the remainder of his life. He married Betty Erma Gay in Richmond, VA on December 29th, 1950. She preceded him in death on May 3rd, 2007. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Wayne, and his grandson. He is survived by his 3 children. Cheryl (Merle) Kleinschmidt of Benicia, CA; Cori (Richard) Goulson of Las Vegas, NV; and Bill (Monica) Davenport of Fairfield Glade, TN. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Carson City on June 27, 2015 at 10 AM with gravesite service immediately following. Walton’s will be open for viewing from 5 PM to 7 PM on Friday, June 26. Memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Las Vegas in July 3, 2015 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, please forward contributions to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4601 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89108.