Obituary for
James Thad Davis
James Thad Davis
December 7, 1935 - September 3, 2017
James Thad Davis passed away peacefully Sunday, September 3, 2017 in Walnut Creek surrounded by family. Jim was welcomed into this life on December 7, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah by Roderick and Margaret (Paramore) Davis, and his brother Fred. His sister Diane (Gridley, CA) would join the family later. His mom, dad, and brother were also waiting to welcome him to his heavenly home this week.
He grew up in Walnut Creek where he was a star athlete at Mount Diablo High School, eventually being inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame. It was during his high school years he met and fell in love with his best friend and eternal companion, Caroline Jane Quittner. After winning her heart from a rival suitor, they were married on June 15, 1957 and have spent more than 60 years together building wonderful memories.
Jim graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Upon graduation, they moved to Livermore where he would start his decorated career at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. While at the Lab, he led many projects which were instrumental in the defense of the country. After ten years, he was recruited over to the National Nuclear Commission which would later become part of the Department of Energy (DOE). For the next 34 years Jim served as a leader in the DOE and received numerous accolades and awards, which he promptly put in the back of a closet. He led teams who were responsible for nuclear safety around the world. Twice he was asked to be the United States Secretary of Energy, and twice he turned down the offer, citing the need to be with his family.
Jim’s mind was that of a rigid engineer, but his heart was one of a creative artist. Jim found beauty in all things and in all people. He loved art and his collection was only tempered by Jane’s insistence that the walls were full. He loved the beauty of nature and took the time to instill that love in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. For 25 years, Jim and Jane arranged for the family to spend time together at the beach. He would spend his days in the water and his nights with his family gathered around his knee listening to the countless “true” stories he made up. From Peter Pelican to Tommy Tick Tock, all his stories had adventure, a good moral, and a happy ending. His most prolific expression of the arts was the beautiful music he composed and played on the piano. His music has brought joy to many people throughout the years. He could take a single note and expand and improvise around that note for hours. He played for hours each day since his retirement.
His life was one filled with service. For his occupation he served his country, but even in his off-time he served those around him. Jim was elected to the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Board of Education in 1973 and served there for nine years. He also served his Heavenly Father. In a letter to his family he wrote that he tried to follow the admonition of Jesus Christ when he said, “As I have loved you, love one another.” He not only followed that teaching, he exemplified it. He was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for most of his life. He served as a Scoutmaster, Young Men’s President, Seminary teacher, and Stake Missionary. He served as a Bishop or in Bishoprics for over five years and as a Stake High Council member for over 18 years. Jim and Jane also served as full-time missionaries in the Dover, Delaware Mission where they digitally recorded thousands of records for genealogical purposes and touched the hearts of many in the areas where they served.
He was the leader of a large loving family and was a Patriarch to them in every sense of the word. If you asked any of the children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren, they would tell you of the unique and special relationship they had with their Dad or Grandpa Davis. Each of them were his Princess or Pal. He made everyone with whom he came in contact, feel as though they held his whole heart. In reality, this honor belonged to his Sweetie, Jane. Although he has passed from this mortal life, Jim would want all of us who are left behind to let the foundation of his faith in God’s Plan of Happiness comfort and reassure us because families can be together forever. Jim is survived by his loving wife Jane Davis of Livermore, his children; Dan Davis of San Jose, Debbie (Ted) Johnson of Las Vegas, Cindy (Craig) Harmer of San Jose, and Jim (Lori) Davis of Highland, Utah, 18 Grandchildren, and 16 Great Grandchildren.
Jim will be interred at Oakmont Cemetery in Walnut Creek. A memorial service in his honor will be held Saturday September 9th at 1:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1501 Hillcrest Ave Livermore, CA.
