James W. Davis, 68, Devoted Mason Who Served As Mentor

It would be tough to find someone who gave more of himself to local Masonic lodges - or gave so much to the community through the Masons - than James W. Davis.

A 33rd-degree Mason, he was addressed as "Illustrious Sir."

"Without him as a mentor," said funeral-home owner Zane Fitch, "a lot of men wouldn't have got a leg up on construction and the trades." The Scottish Rite Mason Prince Hall Grand Lodge is the main window through which African-American males gain social contacts in the community and build up their lives and business, he said.

His niece Bernita Johnson, of Seattle, said Mr. Davis, who died Jan. 12 at 68 of heart failure, faced life with a big smile and high morality.

The Louisiana-born Mr. Davis did not suffer fools gladly, but extended a helping hand or word for those who needed them.

His wife, Ida Davis of Seattle, mentioned the prize-winning craftsmanship that distinguished his 30-plus-year career as a Mason and general contractor.

She said Mr. Davis built the Burien Public Library, Mount Baker Baptist Church and Southwest Mortuary. He also remodeled Leschi Elementary School.

This past grandmaster also was a master at enjoying life via family, friends, fishing and food. Mr. Davis delighted many with barbecues at his Mount Baker home on hydroplane race days, or on holidays at the getaway home he built in Moses Lake.

He took his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews hunting rabbits or deer, or fishing, and was generous with the game he bagged.

His sister Elma Horton, of Seattle, said Mr. Davis as a child was "a leader and a fun person." He also was active in church affairs, particularly Bible school.

But his life was the lodge.

Fresh out of the Army in 1956, he relocated to Seattle and soon married Ida. He studied carpentry at the former Edison Vocational School, then, through lodge contacts, became a contractor.

The couple's life revolved around family and the lodge, in which Mr. Davis held many posts. One was deputy of the Far East, said his wife, "and that covered the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan. We traveled to all those places."

Mr. Davis also served as an officer at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

Other survivors include his mother Iola Davis; brothers Johnnie, Ellis and Leroy Davis, all of St. Louis, Mo.; sister Etta Williams, of Seattle; children Hilda Bryant and Shirley Brown, both of Chicago, Gloria Johnson of Everett, Renee Whitehead and James A. Davis, both of Seattle; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Services have been held.