Greenville, MS
Funeral Home
Busch Funeral Services
Visitation
Service
Obituary
Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero who Served in the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten.” In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service, which our military men and women have given to their country and our state, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard memorializing its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation. Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on May 26, 2026, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Chief Warrant Officer James Joe Davis, age 79, Greenville, MS, who served in the 2nd Battalion, 198th Armor Regiment has departed and gone to a better place with our Lord and Savior.
It takes a special person to serve in the military for their country, sacrificing time with family time, comfort, and safety to ensure all Americans can enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.
A special message from General Douglas MacArthur remains relevant today for our servicemen who have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away.” Rest in peace, soldier. We honor your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family’s support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so brightly, and live so freely.
You have now earned your rest, so go fly with the angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is complete. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ love for the Father and the Son.
Another great soldier has gone home—“Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life.”
Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:
James Joe Davis was born on September 12, 1946, in West, Mississippi, a cherished blessing to Rufus Cottrell and Shirley Davis. Early in life, his loving aunt and uncle, Ossie and Willie Cottrell, welcomed him into their home and lovingly provided him with opportunities beyond those available in the Mississippi Delta.
James received his formal education at East Side High School in Cleveland, Mississippi, and later attended Coahoma Community College, where he earned his associate degree. He then answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he returned to the Delta and completed his studies at Delta State University. During this season of life, he met and married Sharon Burton, and to this union one beautiful daughter, Marci, was born.
Although Wisconsin always held a special place in his heart, James made his home in the Delta, where he faithfully served as an educator with the Western Line School District until his retirement. Known for his strong work ethic and active spirit, he also spent many years as a bartender at the Cleveland Country Club and the Greenville Country Club. His commitment to service continued through his membership in the Mississippi Army National Guard.
James’ dedication extended far beyond his professional life. Giving back to his community was always close to his heart. He was a longtime volunteer with the Mississippi Blues and Heritage Festival, and he generously shared his carpentry skills with local churches and organizations, leaving a lasting impact through both his service and his kindness.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Cottrell and Shirley Davis; his aunt and uncle, Ossie and Willie Cottrell; his sisters, Annie Mae Hawthorne and Susie Mae Washington; and his brothers, Earl Davis, Samuel Davis, Robert Davis, MacArthur Davis, Willie Davis, Jr., Joe Davis, and William Davis.
His precious memories will forever live on in the hearts of his beloved daughter, Marci (Patrick) Campbell of Memphis, Tennessee; his special cousin, Mae Willie Brooks of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; his four grandsons, Daner (Courtney) Ford II, LeKendrick (Tiwaniya) Ford, Mario Johnson, and Patrick Campbell II, all of Memphis, Tennessee; his granddaughter, Maya Campbell of Memphis, Tennessee; his three great-granddaughters, Kenlei Ford, Chloe Campbell, and Promise Campbell, all of Memphis, Tennessee; his two great-grandsons, Kato Ford and Josiah Johnson, both of Memphis, Tennessee; his loving companion, Nina Taylor of Greenville, Mississippi; his dear nieces, Sandra (Buster) Jamison of Coldwater, Mississippi, and Michelle Davis of Houston, Texas; his great-nephews, Kendrick Jamison and Mark Jamison, both of Coldwater, Mississippi; and his sister-in-law, Carol Davis of Cleveland, Mississippi.
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, James answered God’s call to run one last mile and hear servant well done.