James Hilton Davis, M.D

James Hilton Davis, (Jim) passed away April 22,  2021 in Wyoming, Michigan.  Jim was born in Traverse City on January 13, 1932, the son of Hilton Gilman Davis and Alice Marie Davis (Smith).  His death was preceded by that of his daughter, Susan Elizabeth.   He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Waggoner (Liz), his son Robert Hilton Davis (Lori), daughter Janice Ann Faustin (David), grandchildren Alexandra F. Haas (Eric), Jacqueline E. and Victoria M. Faustin.  He is also survived by Liz’s children, Kathryn Sory, Janice Battilana and Steven Farsakian (Melissa), as well as 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren (and one on the way).

He was preceded in death by a sister, Marion A. Barrett (Robert). He is  survived by his sister, Beatrice I. Erickson (John, deceased) and brother, Richard L. Davis (Mary) and many other loved ones, their families, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim grew up on a small  farm near Traverse City, graduating from Traverse City Central High School (1950).  Always studious and focused on his goals to become a doctor, he went on to graduate from Albion College (1954)  with the aid of scholarships and part time jobs.  He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School (1958), later becoming an anesthesiologist.   After retiring from his anesthesia practice, he pursued an opportunity to do medical research  at the University of Michigan.

Jim and Liz retired to their home on Heart Lake, near Gaylord, Michigan in 1998 where they enjoyed the outdoor pleasures of the north woods.  They became “snowbirds” and found another winter home in Sun City Center, Florida (near Tampa).  His passions were  his home by the lake, University of Michigan football, choral sin

 He was an articulate and strong willed, sharing his special gifts  with his children:  the gift of education, the gift of perseverance  and the gift of dreams.  In his later years his greatest passion was helping   students pursue their dreams with scholarships and encouragement, much as he had experienced in years past

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service  and interment is planned for Summer 2021 at First United Methodist Church in Gaylord, Michigan.  In  lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the scholarship funds of either the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 617, Gaylord, MI 49734 or the Kiwanis Club of Gaylord, P.O. Box 625, Gaylord, MI 49734.

The entire family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff members of Metro Health Hospital and Faith Hospice, Wyoming, Michigan for their excellent and compassionate care.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16