James Thedford Davis

James Thedford Davis 85, known to all as “Uncle Dave” was born September 9, 1935 in Ward, Alabama, and called home November 4, 2020 at Otterbein New Albany Senior Life Neighborhood after a long battle with Dementia/Alzheimer’s and kidney failure. Early Life “Uncle Dave” moved to Columbus, Ohio at an early age attending Champion Jr. High and graduating from East High School. After serving in the United States Army (as a cook) with an Honorable Discharge “Uncle Dave” held a long-standing career as a Jazz Musician, and Delivery Truck Diver notably with Columbus Car Audio. He was also a member of the American Legion as well as Columbus Eagles Motorcycle Club. About Life Though on a mental level “Uncle Dave” was a genius. His passion for music started at the age of 7 playing the B3 Hammond Organ by ear. He eventually made a career playing the organ, performance piano, and keyboard adding the drums, and rhythm guitar to his list of played instruments. “Uncle Dave” traveled the United States, and Over Seas playing with several bands including “Uncle Dave & Friends” (which he led), and “Blu BBQ”, alongside with mentor’s such as: Grover Washington, Hank Marr, Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Smith, and Bobby Austin. Contemporaries: Charlie Cock, Miles Davis, George Bensa, The Valentine Brother’s and Bobby Floyd just to name a few. Students: Toni Monaco, and Rou Clark. “Uncle Dave” was an exemplary musician who, even with his deteriorating illness never forgot a key or missed a note when he sat in front of his keyboard. He is proceeded in death by: Grandmother: Eva Ohara. Mother: Carrie (Greene) (John K.) Campbell; Father: Norman Davis. Daughter: Donna Jean Davis; Sons: James T. Davis Jr. son (Demon, Vandria Berry) and Clyde Eugene Dear. Aunts: Florence (Parker) (Elder James) Toland, Silvia Williams. Uncle: Otto (Lydia) Greene of Shubuta, MS. Survived by: His girls: Loriann (William) Holmes: daughters; Danielle Bailey, Tanya Campbell, and son Brandon (Inna) Campbell. Dorothy E. (Dottie) Davis: daughters; Tiha (Micky) Moore, and Crystal (James) Clemmons. Tracie M. (Gary) Curry: daughters; Damonica Falls, Justine Falls, TraTeona Curry, Melvena Curry and sons Dasawn (Ebony) Falls, Justin Falls. Ladonna Snow of Newport News, Virginia. Tiffany D. Davis daughters; Paris M. Peppers, Toni L. Burke (deceased) and son Taliq A. Burke. His boys: James T. Hammonds of Stuttgart, Germany: daughters; Monica (Chris) Miller-Johnson, Veronica Hammonds, D’Angela (Cheri) Hammonds, and sons Devon Hammonds, and Jason Fitvon. Virgil Lee Hammonds: daughters; Marquisa Murray, Latosha Bryant, Vatisha Hammonds and son Virgil Bryant. Timothy M. (Kenya) Davis, and son Timothy J. Davis. 26 grandchildren, Sixty-one great grandchildren, and 3 step great grandchildren. Daddy, you are in the spotlight now and forever. Quality Performance featuring “Uncle Dave” with No Intermissions. Jam Sessions will be held in Heaven. See you there. If you would like to share a memory of James or offer a message of condolence for the family, please visit his Tribute Wall.