James Suter "Jim" Davis

James Suter Davis of Franklin, KY left this earthly world, with his immediate family by his side, for his eternal life with the Lord on December 19, 2015 at the Medical Center of Bowling Green, KY after a courageous battle with cancer.   Jim was born in Owenton, KY on June 7, 1932 to the late James Everett and Maggie B. Suter Davis.

Jim was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Corinne and Lewis “Buddy” Moss and his brother, Luke“Red”Davis.  In addition to his wife, Barbara Ann Meador Davis, he is survived by his daughters: Nancy Davis (Buddy)Forshee of Franklin, KY and Gail Flanders Raper of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Tracy Davis Grimm and Max Flanders Grimm both of Atlanta, GA; James Ryan (Twana) Forshee and Anna Marie Forshee both of Franklin, KY; great-grand children James Tyler Forshee, Daniel Blair and Kaytlin Blair of Franklin, KY.

Upon graduating from Owenton High School in Owenton, KY, in 1950 Jim went on to graduate with a BS in Agriculture from the University of Kentucky in 1954 having been designated a Thomas Poe Cooper recipient, the highest award presented by the College of Agriculture.  He was also a distinguished ROTC military student having received the Lafayette Loving Cup for Military Achievement.  After graduation from UK, Jim was called to active military duty as an Air Force Military Officer and assigned to McGhee Tyson Air Force Base in Knoxville, TN where he met his future wife of almost 58 years, Barbara Meador Flanders.  After his military service, Jim accepted a position with Southern States Cooperative in Franklin KY and served as manager for several years.  In 1963, Jim accepted a position with First Federal Savings and Loan Association in Bowling Green, KY and was instrumental in the building of the full service branch in Franklin, KY.  He became the Branch Manager and a Senior Vice-President and remained in the banking industry with the acquisition of First Federal Savings and Loan Association by First American Bank.  He was responsible for loaning many people money to buy their first homes. He retired in 1995 allowing him more time to work in his beautiful yard, feed his birds and cheer on his Wildcats.

Jim was a man of his word with an infectious smile.  He was a pillar of Franklin, KY having served on various community and civic boards.  He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Franklin having served as treasurer, trustee, member of the administrative board, youth Sunday School teacher, and a member of the Lewis Memorial Home Board.  Jim was an active member of the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce since 1957 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award for distinguished service.  He had served as treasurer of the Goodnight Memorial Library Board.  Jim was a member of the UK Alumni Association.  Jim was a charter member of the UK College of Agriculture Alumni receiving a Distinguished Alumnus Award and he received the Friends of Extension Award for voluntary service to the Extension Council.  He served the Southern Region as the Lay Leader Representative to Washington, DC for the Extension Service.   Jim served on the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Board and Davis Drive in the East Industrial Park was named in his honor. Jim was an active member of the Franklin Rotary Club having served as vice-president and president receiving the distinction of being named a Paul Harris Fellow.  He was honored as Boss of the Year by the Franklin BPW club.  Jim was a member of the Kentucky League of Sportsman and the Simpson County Fish and Game Club.  He was a former Lion and past president of the Franklin-Simpson High School Band Boosters.  He had been a member of the F-S Quarterback Club and was a season ticket holder until recently.  He was also enlisted as a KY Colonel.

The family chose cremation.  A Memorial Service for Jim will be Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church, Public Square, Franklin, KY at 2:00PM CST.  The family will receive friends in the sanctuary beginning at 11:30AM CST.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to the Franklin-Simpson Boys and Girls Club, PO Box 888, Franklin, KY or to First United Methodist Church Board of Trustees, 107 N. College St., Franklin, KY.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Booker-Gilbert Funeral Home, Franklin, KY.