James Joseph Davenport

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA on January 4, 1926
Departed on April 28, 2008. Resided in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Memorial

James Joseph Davenport, 82, went home to be with the Lord on April 28, 2008 following a long illness. Services are to be held at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories on Thursday at 3:00 pm with the Rev Robert C. Pleiness of Good News Baptist Church officiating. Visitation will be at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5 to 8 pm Wednesday. Military services will be provided by the Marine Corps League of Cedar Rapids

Known to family and friends as Jim, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, he now joins his beloved wife Helen Schaefer of 45 years. He is survived by sons, Michael Nancy of Robins, IA; Martin Christina of Tampa FL; Richard Kara and Matthew Wendy of Cedar Rapids; Jonathan Natalia of Los Angeles, CA. daughters, Julie Jeff Hamilton of Swisher, IA; Susan Eric Santon of Kansas City, Mo. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Bill of Deptford, NJ and Bruce Barbara of Tuscan, AZ and his brother-in-law Harold Joyce Schaefer of Cedar Rapids.

Jim served honorably and with distinction with the United States Marine Corps as a Rifleman with the 3rd Marine Division as he fought bravely in the battle of Iwo Jima, where he was awarded the Purple Heart. After a short employment with Eastern Airlines as a flight attendant he married Helen from Cedar Rapids and soon after was recalled to the Marine Corps with the 1st Marine Division in Korea. His family is very proud of his faithful service to his country in 2 wars as a United States Marine.

Following his military service he was employed with the US Postal Service in Cedar Rapids where he carried mail for over 30 years.

The many friendships Jim developed with his caregivers during his illness brought him great joy. The family is extremely grateful for the kindness and care that was given to him.

Jim was a beloved and devoted husband, dad, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed.

Jim had a heart and passion for children in need of Cleft repair surgery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be sent to The Smile Train @ 245 Fifth Ave., Suite 2201, New York, NY 10016 in memory of him.

Visitation

Service

Cemetery