Jimmy Lamar Davis

Jimmy Lamar Davis 60, of Vermilion, died Sunday, July 4, 2010 at after a brief illness. Born March 7, 1950 in Memphis, TN, he had been a Vermilion resident since 1954. He was a veteran of the National Guard serving from 1970-1976. He graduated from Vermilion High School, Lorain Community College and received a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master's Degree in Public Service from Cleveland State University. He worked as an operator for Herk Excavating then became a project engineer and project manager for Michael Benza and Associates. For 2 years, Jimmy was operations manager for Kurtz Bros. He was Director of Public Service for the City of Westlake from 1988-1992 and later became Vice President of Composting and Recycling at Browning- Ferris Industries. He was elected the Mayor of the City of Vermilion in 1998 and served until December of 2006. He worked at KTM North America, Inc. in Amherst as Community Relations Program Manager and Human Resource Manager and ISO Quality Representative. Of his many accomplishments, he coordinated community volunteer efforts for the completion of the Vermilion Court and Council complex and the Police Department. In cooperation with Vermilion Schools, community volunteers, and grant funding, new and refurbished sports field, community pool, and a skate park were made possible through his commitment to the youth of Vermilion. He enhanced economic development conditions throughout Lorain and Erie Counties and worked with the Lorain County Community Alliance program. He developed and maintained a balanced municipal budget for the City of Vermilion. Jim coordinated 6 neighboring communities to promote efficient solid waste handling and recycling. Jimmy's greatest passion was for the work of Blessing House, a child crisis center where he served on the Board of Directors. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Jimmy was the public relations officer for the Vermilion Lion's Club and served on the board of directors for 2nd Harvest Food Bank. He enjoyed politics, gardening and helping people with visual rehabilitation. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Elizabeth "Libby" Davis (nee Ashby); daughters, Brittany Leigh (Isaac) Drost and Alyssa Louise Davis, both of Vermilion; and a granddaughter, Madelyn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jilletta Christine (nee Powell) and James Davis and 2 brothers, Ronald and Kenneth Davis. A memorial service will be held Saturday July 10, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3747 Liberty Ave., and Vermilion. Reverend Terry Parker will officiate. Memorial contributions are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, 3747 Liberty Ave., Vermilion, Ohio 44089. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.