In Memoriam of James McKinley Davis

James McKinley Davis, 83, of Spring Arbor of Winchester, Virginia, formerly of Charles Town and Shepherdstown, died Monday, July 26^th, 2021 at Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center in Winchester.

Jim was born September 10, 1937 in Fairplay, MD, the eighth child of the late Harry R and Mary K (Miller) Davis.

A graduate of Hagerstown High School and Shepherd College (now University), Jim proudly served as a Supply Corp Officer in the US Navy for four years, and then built his long career in the propane industry as Secretary/Treasurer and General Manager of Supertane Gas Corporation. He served as a Director at Peoples Bank of Charles Town and then Jefferson Security Bank, rising to the position of Chairman of the Board of each. His other Directorships included the Jefferson County Development Authority, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce (including being one of the original ten financial backers of the Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival), the Jefferson Center of the Eastern Panhandle Training Center, WV LP Gas Association, and the National LP Gas Association. His early retirement years were spent in service to Shepherd University as a member, and then President, of the Shepherd University Foundation. At Shepherd, he was a member of the McMurran Society, the Scarborough Society, and was named the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Alumnus in 2006. He was also named Jefferson County Citizen of the Year in 1993.

A devoted member of Zion Episcopal Church, Jim served at various times as a Sunday School teacher, Lay Reader, Chalice Bearer, Vestry Member, and Senior Warden.

Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Jane Small Davis of Spring Arbor of Winchester, daughter and son-in-law Anne and Dave Strider of Charles Town, two grandsons, David Strider of New York, NY and Joseph Strider (Charlotte) of New York, NY, and a granddaugher, Susan Strider Copen (Mike) of Walkersville, MD, along with two great-grandsons, Jackson and Parker Copen.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.

The family is most grateful to Blue Ridge Hospice for the care, comfort, and compassion they provided in Jim’s last days. In lieu of flowers, please be generous with your local Hospice.