GUMBERRY:

James (Jimmy) Lafayette Davenport passed away peacefully on August 25, 2023 while in the care of Northampton Nursing and Rehab in Jackson, NC. Jimmy fought a long and sometimes difficult battle with Lewy Body Dementia, a cruel form of Parkinson's disease.

Jimmy was born in Roanoke Rapids, NC on October 23, 1953 to Z.L. and Vernie Davenport who predeceased him. He is survived by a sister, Verlene D. Stephenson of Seaboard, NC and a brother, Charles W. Davenport of the home; also, an aunt Kathryn D. Clark of Littleton, NC and several cousins.

Jimmy was a graduate of Northeast Academy and North Carolina Wesleyan College. He was scholastically gifted and loved history of any kind. He could probably still tell you anything and everything he ever learned in school. He was always surrounded by books, but especially studied the Bible. Jimmy could have excelled at any profession but ultimately chose to be a farmer. He and his brother worked the family farm until his health prevented it.

Jimmy was a wonderful son, brother and friend to many. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to help a person in need. He especially loved his adopted church family.

To honor Jimmy's memory, in lieu of flowers, please do an act of kindness to help someone in need or make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements include visitation at Askew Funeral Services-Jackson Chapel, 313 E Jefferson St, Jackson, NC, Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at Askew Funeral Service in Jackson, NC at 11:00 am with Mr. Larry Graham officiating.

Interment will follow at Seaboard Cemetery, Franklin St, Seaboard, NC.

Special thanks go to his caregivers: Pam Bayse, who was with him from the beginning of his illness; Gentiva Hospice nurses, especially Bailey #1 and Bailee #2: Northampton Nursing and Rehab staff; and Dr. Frank Taylor.