James Edward Davenport age 76 of Denton passed away Wednesday October 19, 2005 at his residence. He was born on January 25, 1929 to Elmer and Nova (Kendrick) Davenport in Holdenville, Oklahoma. He spent his childhood years in Clinton, OK. where he graduated from Clinton High School in 1947. He married Naomi Ruth Coit on December 22, 1946. They are the parents of four children."Big Jim" started working at an early age at the local movie theater, caddying at the golf course, setting pins at the bowling alley and delivering newspapers. It was while delivering papers that the Clinton J.C. Penney manager told him to return when he was 16 and a job would be waiting. Jim returned in 1945 and began his long career with J.C. Penney Co. working part-time until he graduated from high school. In 1949 he won a national suit Sales contest and was then transferred to an Oklahoma City store. This begin a series of many moves in his career, including such cities as Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Houston (20 years), Lake Charles, La. , (first store manager), and Fayetteville, Ark. where he retired.

After retirement, a move was made to Lakeway, Tx. near Austin where 10 years were spent in the company of other Penney retirees enjoying golf and spending summers in the cool mountains of Ruidoso, New Mexico. With his health declining, a move was made to Denton, Tx. In 1999 to be close to his son and family. A favorite past-time was watching his grandchildren play a myriad of sports.Throughout his life, Jim was an avid sportsman. A skilled bowler, he and a partner were the Texas State Doubles Champions in 1960 and he achieved one 300 game. Golf was another sport dear to his heart; he enjoyed playing in local matches, week-end tournaments, and creating his own tournaments among friends and family. His accomplishments included four hole-in-ones. Another favorite past time was deer hunting which enabled him to be close family and friends. He is renowned for his story-telling around the campfire.

Survivors include his wife Naomi of Denton; and his children and their spouses, Jim and Judy Davenport of Argyle, TX., Robert and Cheryl Davenport Elkton, MD. His Grandchildren include Emily, Adam, and Sam Davenport of Argyle; R.J. and his wife Shiloh Davenport of Lake Dallas; Jennifer and husband Kris Westlund of Austin; Ashley and husband Shawn of Round Rock; Elizabeth Davenport of Round Rock; Kristen and husband Jeremy Shoemaker of Elkton, MD. and Jamie Buffington of Elkton. Surviving great grandchildren include Molly Buffington, Emily Shoemaker and Logan Westlund. He is also survived by four sisters and one brother and their spouses, Norma Dean and Hershel Snider of McAlester, OK; Lola and Ray Hamilton of Grand Prairie; Anna Lee and Leroy Young of Drumright, OK; Cheryl and sonny Pfeiffer of Arlington; J.D. and Renate Davenport of Amarillo; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Erma Coit Smith of Clinton, OK, and brothers-in-law Lyle Coit of Edmond, OK. and Derrell Coit of Custer, OK. and their families.

Preceded in death are his parents and sons Larry Ray and Lyle David (infant).

Memorial services for James will be held at Argyle United Methodist Church, Argyle, Tx. 308 Denton St., Argyle Tx. 11:30 am on Saturday Oct. 22, 2005 Rev. Kory Knott will officiate the service. Following the services will be a Celebration of Life with food and drink for all attending in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Argyle United Methodist Church building fund, 308 Denton St, Argyle, Tx. 76226 or Hospice-Odyssey Healthcare, Inc. 13800 Montfort Dr., Suite 300, Dallas, Texas. 75240.

Mulkey-Mason Jack Schmitz and Son in charge of arrangements.