James “Jim” J. Davis entered United States military service in 1964, with basic training in San Diego, California, and Advanced Infantry Training at Camp Pendleton, California.  Jim was a member of the First Marine Division, First Engineer Battalion, Headquarters Company, and Logistics. Jim received orders to transfer to Okinawa, Japan in 1965, to stage for service in Vietnam. Jim was part of the first major offensive landing off the ChuLai Peninsula in Vietnam in 1965. Later, while in Vietnam, he served in PHU BAI in the northern part of the country, near the DMZ, and then on to DeNang, prior to transferring back to the United States in 1966.  Jim was then assigned to the Fifth Force Service Regiment at Camp Pendleton, California, as a Logistic Chief. In 1967, Jim reenlisted and was sent to Recruiters School at Parris Island, South Carolina.  Ultimately, Jim served as a Recruiter in Battle Creek, Michigan, then in Flint, Michigan, and finally in Port Huron, Michigan, prior to discharge from the Marine Corps in 1971.

The medals received while on active duty with the Marine Corps include: Marine Corps Good Conduct with two Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Jim also qualified as an Expert with a pistol and rifle while on active duty.

After discharge from active military service, Jim relocated to Medford, Oregon, joined the Army Reserves, and began work for the Veterans Administration Regional Office in Portland, Oregon in 1971.  He served as Flexo Writer Operator, Personnel Clerk, and Veterans Benefits Counselor. Jim transferred to the VA Regional Office in Wichita, Kansas in 1972, and worked as a Compliance Officer.  Jim later left the Veterans Administration and managed a Home Depot store in Garden City, Kansas.  Also in his career, Jim managed a Tractor Supply Store in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and an Atwoods Store in Park City, Kansas.

James Davis is married to Sara Davis and has one son who lives in Santee, California.  Jim currently is an Associates Member of the College of the Ozarks, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the Marine Corps League, and The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 913, in Branson since 2010. Jim is a member of the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Kimberling City, Missouri, and has served as Chairman of the Elders, a member of the choir, and past Vice President and President of the congregation.