James W Davis

James Willard Davis, Jim to most, “Grandpa Jim” to the lucky few, was born on May 20, 1941, in Mullen, Nebraska, to Willard Franklin Davis and Martha Marie Goodman. He grew up farming and ranching on the Western Kansas prairie, learning the value of hard work, patience, and the occasional stubborn streak that would serve him well throughout life.

After graduating from Dighton High School in 1959, Jim joined the U.S. Army, which gave him a lifetime of stories, adventures, and friendships. While stationed in Hawaii, he met Barbara Rankin, fell in love, and married her on March 4, 1962. Their son, James Willard Davis, Jr., was born in 1966, and though duty often kept Jim away in those early years, he loved him fiercely and cherished the experiences they shared.

Jim’s service took him from Hawaii to Korea to Germany, and everywhere in between, collecting tales of the world that he told with humor, humility, and an occasional fisherman's exaggeration. After 20 years, he retired from the Army but not from service. Settling in Abilene, he became a magistrate judge, then head of the police and fire departments, always keeping the community safe while keeping his faith in God and in humanity.

After retiring from public life, Jim and Barbara moved to Topeka, where he enjoyed simple pleasures: fishing, hunting, naps, a glass of good scotch, and tinkering with new toys (even if he had no idea how they worked). Jim lost his beloved Barbara, who passed away in October 2007 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Jim found love again with Debbie Kastner, marrying her on May 5, 2012. Together, they made Auburn, Kansas, their home, sharing yard work, porch talks, laughter, and watching grandchildren grow. There was always joy (and cookies) in the house. He enjoyed gardening and sitting on the deck, keeping tabs on the neighbors’ comings and goings, never quite shaking his “investigative” tendencies after retiring. He loved good food, laughter, and, most of all, spending time with family, especially being a grandpa. For Jim, family was a matter of the heart, and his was big enough for everyone. He delighted in all of his grandchildren.

Jim had a rare combination of humor, loyalty, and warmth. He could make friends anywhere, finding common topics of conversation with complete strangers. He loved simple things, treasured family, and knew that the best moments in life are shared, preferably with a little scotch, a good meal, and a casual conversation.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara and his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Davis; his sister Judy (Lyle); brothers Floyd (Brenda) and Clayton; and his son James (Kelly). He was a proud grandfather to AJ Davis (Ashlee) and Tyler Davis, and great-grandfather to Kennedy. Jim is also survived by his step-sons Matthew Kastner (Bri) and Drew Kastner (Roberta), and adored his grandchildren Benton, Scarlett, and Adeline. He also considered Riley and Elizabeth Dickerson as honorary grandchildren who brought him much happiness.

Jim left a mark on everyone who knew him, and his legacy of service, humor, and devotion lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A private memorial service for the family will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Humane Society or Meals on Wheels.

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