James “Jim” H. Davis, 66, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly on October 31, 2023 at his home. He was the loving husband of Susan (Yingst) Davis to whom he was married to for 37 years. Born on November 12, 1956 in Bristol, PA, he was the son of the late David R. Davis and Mary (Boardman) Davis. He grew up in Berwyn, PA and graduated from Conestoga High School, where he wrestled and played soccer. At a young age, he developed a love of sailing, enjoying many family voyages aboard Reprieve on the Chesapeake Bay.
Jim graduated summa cum laude from Franklin and Marshall College and went on to attend medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. After receiving his medical degree, he completed a residency in internal medicine at Reading Hospital where he met his beautiful wife, Sue. After their marriage in 1986, Jim shared his love of sailing with Sue during a three-month trip around the Caribbean. They then moved to Boston, where Jim completed his residency in anesthesiology at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital. In 1989, Jim and Sue moved to Lancaster, where they raised their two children, Katie and Wes. Jim worked as an anesthesiologist for Anesthesia Associates, and for 26 years, he selflessly cared for patients at Lancaster General Hospital.
Throughout his life, Jim’s passion for learning new things led him to enjoy and excel in a multitude of activities, from the more extreme sports of skydiving, scuba diving, skiing, and wind surfing to the more “relaxing” pastimes of golf, tennis, and playing the classical guitar. In his retirement, Jim enjoyed many summer days reading and relaxing with his family by the lake in Belgrade, Maine. A fun-loving and imaginative father, Jim spent countless hours playing with his children. Jim’s sense of humor brought so much joy to those around him, and he enthusiastically encouraged others to be the best versions of themselves. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he believed in, and he demonstrated an unfailing love for his friends and family.
In addition to his wife, Sue, and his mother, he is survived by two children: Katie Davis (wife of Nick Gentile) and Wes Davis. Also surviving are his sister, Mary Reinhart (wife of Paul), his brother, David A. Davis (husband of Michelle), sister-in laws Nancy Caine (wife of Anthony) and Robin Ryan (wife of David), and brother-in-law, James Yingst (husband of Carolyn Angelo). Additionally, he is survived by ten nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at First United Methodist Church, 29 E Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. To view the service virtually, please click the following link: https://youtu.be/_Y6gVHcZ4po
Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com
Nate Wolf says
Very sorry for your loss- best wishes to everyone. Wes- I’m here for you if you need anything at all
Anita l. Lewis says
So sorry for your loss, Sue I am shocked to hear of your loss, you and your family are in my prayers. I have a previous engagement on the 8th.
Brandi Tait says
Sue.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Brandi
Steffie Mongar says
Katie, Sue & Wes,
My heartfelt condolences. I have so many fond memories of Jim from when I used to stay with you — such as sledding, his songs about the dogs, and his talent for flipping pancakes. He was always able to make me laugh and I have such gratitude to your family for that time in my life. Sending you love and strength,
Ann Burns says
Sueand family
So sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you and.family in my prayers. Thinking of you often and you will.always have a special plave in my heart and memories. Love hugs amd prayers yo your family.
Sean Sharkey says
Very sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. He was a great partner at AAL and have very many found memories
Sean & Josslyn Sharkey
Jo Anne Farley says
Dear Sue, Katie and Wes,
What a shock to read in today’s paper that Jim,, Dr. Davis to me, passed! I have fond memories of your family as a teacher at LCDS and of having Jim help me before a surgical procedure.
I lost touch with you all but have only happy memories and thoughts of your family.
May you find peace and know the love of many of us during this trying time.
Love and prayers,
Jo Anne Farley
Dr. Gerald Rothacker says
My deepest sympathy to Sue and all of Jim’s family. Saddened to read of his passing.
I was always happy when Jim was at the head of the table giving anestesia to my patients.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Jerry Rothacker
Jane Shipe says
Sue and Wes, Hamilton and I were incredibly saddened to read of Jim’s passing. What an accomplished life he had but mostly I know he loved his family….we send all of our friendship and sympathy.
Jane Shipe
Hamilton Dunlop
Zoa Kile says
Our prayers go out to you and your family, Sue.
I know your memories of better days will sustain you, and God will hold you up.
Zoa and Terry
Jonathan Ozek says
Katie, Wes, and family
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Jonathan “Jonny boy”
Rory Connaughton says
My condolences on the loss of a true gentleman. I spent many hours next to Jim searching for the secret of the golf swing over the years and always enjoyed our conversations. Jim will be missed.
Edmund Garvey says
Kathie and I send our deepest sympathy to Sue and Jim’s family. He was a great partner at AAL and helped me many times.
Kelley Rote says
Dear Sue, Katie and Wes,
We were so sorry learn of Jim’ s passing. He was a great doctor and person! If you need anything, please let us know! Andy and I will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all.
The Rote Family
Cailey Bromer says
Chiming in here to say how many good memories there are in the world of Jim’s energy, silliness and love for his family. He raised my best friend in the whole world and I’ll be forever grateful. May his loving spirit and goofy memories be with you all always.
Love you Katie, Sue and Wes
Amy Humphreville says
I am a nurse and worked with Dr. Davis at the Suburban Outpatient surgery Center. He was always kind and professional. Always treated the staff and patients with respect. He was fun and had a wonderful sense of humor. We all enjoyed him. I was so sad to hear of his death. I feel privileged to have worked with him. He made a warm and lasting impression on his patients.
Jennifer Horst says
Dearest family of Dr. Davis, I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Davis’ passing. I worked with him for many years downtown in the PACU and at WBH OR and PACU. He was always kind, intelligent, humorous, and calm even in the worst of times. I’m glad to hear that he did retire, at least getting to spend some more free time before his passing. I’m very sorry for your unexpected loss and I pray for your pain to ease as time goes by. Very sincerely, Jennifer
Bob and Kim Chen says
Sue,
We are so sorry for your loss and struggle. We found out about Jim and our hearts are broken. We loved Jim and his humor, intellect and talent. We were so blessed to have known both of you. Please know that we have you in our hearts and prayers.
Susan Powl says
Oh Sue, I was so sad to hear about Jim’s death. He was such a great practitioner and so nice to work with. He will be missed by many who had the privilege to work with him and many more who called him their friend. Please know you will be kept close to my heart and thoughts as well as in my prayers during this sad and difficult time. Sincerely and with sympathy, Susan Powl (Moore)
Steve Shank says
Sue, Katie and Wes,
We are so saddened by your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Steve and Lisa Shank
Mike Burnley says
Was fortunate to have played some golf with Jim over the past several years. Couldn’t have been a nicer guy. Very sorry for your loss.
Mike Burnley
Bruce,Julie,Lindsay and Adelyn says
Sue
Very disappointed to hear of Jims passing. I was hoping that he could win that battle. Eveytime we crossed paths at the LSYMCA or at FUMC. I would search for a sign that he was finding some joy in life.
Julie and I have members of our family that struggle to enjoy life. I guess some things we will never
understand.
Julie ,Lindsay,Addie and I are all praying for your family.
Bruce,Julie,Lindsay and Adelyn says
Sue,
So sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Every time I crossed paths with Jim wether at the LSYMCA or
FUMC I searched for some sign that Jim was starting to enjoy life. I was hoping he could win the battle.
Julie and I have family members that sometimes have difficulty finding enjoyment in life.
Our family is praying for you and your children.
Bruce,Julie,Lindsay and Adelyn
Daniel Howard says
Dear Davis family, very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Loved playing golf with him (he was a sub for our Central Maine Senior golf team) . Also our golf trips to Sugarloaf and Sunday River when you were in Maine. A great guy that will be missed by all. God Bless.
Dan Howard