James Wynne Davies, 78, of Two Harbors, died Saturday, September 30, 2023, at home.
Jim was born September 2, 1945, to Robert and Shirley (Rood) Davies in Minneapolis.
He graduated Bloomington Senior High in 1964. He went on to play college football and graduated from Ely Community Junior College prior to his enlistment in the US Army.
He served as a Military Policeman (MP) in Vietnam with the 716th Battalion’s Company C, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He didn’t talk about his time in Vietnam very often, but he was very proud that he had the chance to serve his country. Upon discharge, Jim returned to the Bloomington area where he met Karen Cox. Jim and Karen were married in 1974 and moved to Cass Lake.
Jim was employed by Cass County as a Deputy Sheriff for several years and always said he loved his time as a Law Enforcement Officer. In 1977, the family moved to Dodge City, Kansas, to take over management of Cox Produce Company, which was Karen’s family business. Jim was a wonderful father to his adopted daughter, Stephanie. He stayed in Kansas until she graduated High School.
However, his heart called him home to Minnesota in the late eighties. Karen and Jim later divorced. Minnesota was where he was meant to be, and Jim settled in Two Harbors. That is where he met his soul mate, Lorraine (Maggie) Gunderson. They were long-time companions for over 20 years before her death in 2013. Jim was an avid outdoorsmen and loved fishing and camping.
He was also a hockey referee for many years and thoroughly enjoyed every minute on the ice. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bob; and long-time companion, Maggie Gunderson.
He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie (Ben) Linnebur; a granddaughter, Courtney (Corey) Hull; great-grandchildren, Dakota, Peyton, and Gabriel Hull; a sister, Mary Davies, a brother, Tom Davies; and many nieces and nephews and their families. The family requests that any gifts be given in Jim’s honor to the Lake County Humane Society.
Throughout his lifetime, Jim almost always had a dog (or several) and he chose to give to their organization on a regular basis. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held sometime in the Spring.
The final resting place for his ashes will be Lakeview Cemetery in Two Harbors, within the Veteran’s section, as he requested. Jim will remain in our hearts and minds forever.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
