James Hartwell Davenport Jr.

February 12, 1919 - November 11, 2014

James Hartwell Davenport, Jr., age 95, of Cumming, GA, formerly of Marion, IL and Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully at the home of his step-daughter, Jennifer (Rickert) Heinrichs at 6:10 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, in Cummings, GA. He was born in Crab Orchard, IL in Williamson County, on Wednesday, February 12, 1919, the son of James Hartwell Davenport, Sr. and Mary Ellen (Tanner) Davenport. He attended school in Crab Orchard and was a graduate of Crab Orchard High School. James answered the call of this nation by enlisting into the United States Navy in 1939, thus beginning his long thirty year naval career. He traveled all over the world during his career and at the time of his discharge in 1969, had attained the rank of QMCM E-9. He was first united in marriage to Maria Theresa Cogan on December 21, 1946, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and together they shared nearly thirty-nine years of marriage until her death on October 29, 1986. He later was united in marriage to Barbara Lee Tucker on March 17, 1989, in Green Cove Springs, FL and together they shared twenty-four years of marriage until her death on November 25, 2013. After his retirement from the navy, James worked for the United States Postal Service for several years and later became involved in the real estate market buying and selling homes. He was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church of Marion, IL. James also was a lifetime member of the VFW Post No. 4300 of Sebring, FL and the Fleet Reserve Association. During his retirement he enjoyed traveling, having been in every state in the union and many countries and attending many naval ship reunions. James was an avid gardener of vegetables and flowers, especially bulbs and gave beauty to every place he lived. He loved all types of athletic sports and early in his lifetime was an avid hunter and fisherman. Also during his retirement he continued his education and graduated from Saint John’s Community College of Jacksonville, FL in 1988, with an Associate in Art degree. He is survived by his son, James M. Davenport of Silverthorne, CO; daughter, Ellyn Davenport of Mt. Dora, FL; granddaughter, Jaime (Davenport) Snell and her husband, David of Jacksonville, FL; three great grandchildren, Samantha, Remington and Zane Snell; step-son, Kirk Rickert and his wife, Jamie of Goreville, IL; four step-daughters, Karen (Rickert) Kiesling and husband, Bruce of Senatobia, MS, Julie (Stelling) Bland and husband, Jim of Freeburg, IL, Lynne (Rickert) Redden and husband, Don of Marion, IL and Jennifer (Rickert) Heinrichs and husband, Kurt of Cumming, GA; seven step-grandchildren, Brandon Michael Kiesling of Urbandale, IA, Rachel Dunning and husband, Troy of Goreville, IL, Brooke Merrill and husband, Kalip of Marion, IL, Corey Stelling of Freeburg, IL, James Douglas Redden of Marion, IL, Wesley Heinrichs of Cumming, GA and Garrett Heinrichs of Cumming, GA; seven step great-grandchildren, Blaine, Morgan and Katlyn Dunning, Colton, Logan and Tyson Stelling and Kylie Brooklyn Merrill; sister-in-law, Diane Schwinn and her husband, William of Bunker Hill, IL; brother-in-law, Kenneth W. Tucker and his wife, Leslie of Oke, OK, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; both of his wives, Maria and Barbara; two step-grandchildren, Jeremy and Jason Heinrichs; sister, Mabel (Davenport) McDonald; three brothers, Louie Davenport, Orlie Robert “Bob” Davenport and Riley Davenport and son-in-law, Harold Stelling. Arrangements for James Hartwell Davenport, Jr. were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. The time of visitation was from 10:15 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 600 N. Russell St., Marion. Following the time of visitation the funeral mass was at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Monsignor Thomas Flach presiding. Readings presented during the mass were by Sheila Dingrando. The prelude and postlude musical selections were by Jane Otte. Special musical selections presented during the mass were “On Eagle’s Wings”, “The Lord Is My Light”, “Amazing Grace”, Love Divine, All Love Excelling”, “Song of Farewell” and “All Creatures of Our God and King” with organist, Jane Otte accompanying. Interment followed next to his wife, Barbara in Busby Cemetery south of Goreville, IL. Pallbearers were Kirk Rickert, Don Redden, Kurt Heinrichs, Jim Bland, James D. Redden and Corey Stelling. Military honors were accorded at the graveside by members of Heyde-Pillow V.F.W. Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 both of Marion, IL and the United States Navy Funeral Honors Burial Detail. hose participating were Commander, Larry Largent; Chaplain, Ernie Rinella; Officer of the Day, Pat Campbell; Bugler, Dan Fruge; Color Guard, Bill Rice and Jessie James; National Colors, Jeff Hoffard; VFW Post Colors, Ron Ganzer; American Legion Post Colors, Ralph DeVasier; Firing Squad, Don Burgrabe, Gene Broombaugh, Bob Casey, Wayne O’Connor, Bill Reynolds, Ron Russell and Jerry Swisher. Members of the United States Navy Funeral Honors Burial Detail participating in the folding and presentation of the flag were; LSC John Keagy, EO1 Donald Floyd and STS2 Randy Rambeau. Presentation of the folded flag to Mr. Davenport’s son; James was by LSC John Keagy. Following the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered at Walt’s Pizza Restaurant in Marion, for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “Crossroads Hospice” of Cumming, GA. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the church and funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL, 62959. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.