James Davy

James R. Davy passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023 at home in Glen Ellyn with his family by his side. He had just celebrated his 90 birthday with family and friends a few weeks before.

Jim spent his whole life in the service of others. He was kind before being kind was a “thing”. Jim was devoted to family and friends through thick and thin. Just as he was hopelessly devoted to his beloved Cubs from his boyhood days to his senior years. From childhood through adulthood, his wife and family - the one he was born into, the one he married into, and the one he raised - meant everything to him. He treated everyone in his life like they were family, offering whatever he could from driving them to the airport to visiting those laid up at home or in the hospital.

Jim was the devoted husband of Diane for 62 years, loving father of James F., Therese (Steven) Davy–Graham, Rose (John) Slivka, MaryAnn McGerty & Joe (Lynn) Davy, loving Papa to Sean (Luda) & Sonja Davy, Emily & Jessica Graham, Luke & Beth Slivka, 1LT Michael McGerty, & Erin & Kevin Davy, Great-Grandpapa of Noah & Aubrey. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward & Florence Davy and older siblings Edward "Bud" Davy, Sister Florence Davy, BVM, Helen Mahoney, Robert Davy & Adelaide O'Keefe. He was a loving uncle to many.

Born on January 23, 1933, Jim was raised on the west side of Chicago, he made lifelong friends from his time at Help of Christians, Fenwick High School and Loyola University. He spent many years playing 16” softball with the Blue Jays and various other teams. After marrying Diane Barrett they moved to Oak Park to raise a family. He became involved at Ascension Parish as president of the men’s group, coach of CYO basketball, organized open gym for highschoolers, taught CCD, and became one of the first extraordinary ministers.

He continued serving others later in life volunteering at PADS, distributing communion at Loyola Hospital and doing many small acts of kindness every day of his life.

Jim served his country honorably as a clerk in the army in England at the end of the Korean War. He made the most of his time in the military by traveling Europe, paid for with a carton of American cigarettes.

To honor Jim, keep his kindness going, visit a lonely person, bring donuts to a neighbor, walk an acquaintance down the hall, or any small action that might brighten someone’s day.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 17th from 3-8 PM at Leonard Funeral Home, 565 Duane St. Glen Ellyn. Funeral Mass, Saturday, 10 AM at St. James the Apostle Church, 480 S. Park Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Burial is private.