James Robert Davis, 89, of Oxford, N.C. passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born July 2, 1936, in Vance County, he was the son of the late Joseph Arrington Davis Sr. And Elizabeth Read Davis.

In his early years he operated a Shell gas station, drove a Taxi, was a bail bondsman and a jailer with the Granville County Sheriff's Department. He founded Davis Wholesale Inc. In 1969 remaining in business until his retirement in 2020. James was a member of West Oxford Baptist Church. One of his passions in life was dancing and for many years participated with the Long Branch Dance Club.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Sossamon Funeral Home in Oxford. Conducted by Rev. Frank Sossamon. Entombment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Oxford.

James is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Ezelle Jones (Jeffrey) of Oxford; his son, Richard C. Ezelle (Shelia) of Oxford; granddaughter, Chelsea Kolly (Kevin) of Raleigh; grandson, Kyle Ezelle (McKenna) of Oxford; great grandchildren, Thomas Ezelle and Rheanne “Annie” Ezelle; brother, John Maison Davis (Susan) of Raleigh; his special friend Ruth Satterwhite; nephews, John Davis, Scott Peoples, Tyson Peoples, Kirk Peoples, Gene Thompson and Mark Davis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Evans Davis, three sisters, Elizabeth Nimeroff of New York City, Lillian Vaughan of Savannah Ga., and Patricia Peoples of Henderson; and a brother, Joseph Arrington Davis Jr. of Henderson.

The family will receive friends at Sossamon Funeral Home in Oxford on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For all other times they will be at the home.

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home of Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com