Obituaries – 1/15/2020

Published 8:43 am Wednesday, January 15, 2020

James Davis

Oct. 22, 1939– Jan. 12, 2020

James Ellsworth Davis, 80, of Franklin Furnace, passed away Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, at Southern Ohio Medical Center, Portsmouth.

Mr. Davis was born Oct. 22, 1939, in Springfield; a son to the late Virgil and Francis (Rheinhart) Davis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sara (Kelley) Davis.

Mr. Davis was a 1957 graduate of Springfield High School and was a United States Navy veteran. He retired from International Harvesters in 2002 as a machine repairman.

Mr. Davis was a man of many talents and hobbies, including cooking, working on model railroads, wood working, gardening and he especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He attended Franklin Furnace United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Virgil Davis, Homer Davis, Gilbert Davis, Marilyn Davis, Orena Davis and Ethel Slaughter

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, James (Anna) Davis, of Wheelersburg, and April Davis, of Franklin Furnace; a granddaughter, Hannah (Shawn) Ratcliff, of Wheelersburg; a brother, Larry Davis, of Springfield; a sister, Nancy (Ralph) Hannah, of Springfield; two sisters-in-laws, Effie Gillispie, of Ironton, and Helen Kelley, of Pedro; and a host of nieces and nephews, who will miss him.

Funeral service will be noon Friday at Phillips Funeral Home, 1007 S. Seventh St., Ironton, with Pastor James E. Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Burial Park and visitation will be 11 a.m. Friday until time of the service at the funeral home.

To offer the Davis family condolences, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net

John Wolfe

July 8, 1927–Sept. 22, 2019

John Edward “Jack” Wolfe, born in Ironton, on July 8, 1927 and died Sept. 22, 2019 in San Diego, California, at age 92.

John was born to Lawrence and Hilda Wolfe, née Dressel. He left Ironton for Saint Louis, Missouri, where he attended Saint Louis University. It was at Saint Louis University that he met Patricia Ann Boone.

The two married and settled in Sacramento, California, where they raised their eight children.

John worked for the State of California as a geologist. He was an avid fossil hunter and traveled the state and country on adventures.

John and Patricia were fixtures at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish. John was a lector for Sunday masses and was involved in the children’s school. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Toastmasters.

John retired from the State of California and Pat and John returned to the Central Valley and cared for her parents in their golden years. Pat and John later moved to a Del Mar and, ultimately, to their home in Solana Beach, where they have resided for the past 20 years.

John was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Patricia.

John was the best father ever and is survived by his eight children and their spouses; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Everyone who knew John was touched by his warmth and kindness. “He was the nicest person,” was often stated. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A memorial was held at St. James’ Catholic Church in Solana Beach, California on Dec. 20, 2019.   

Please remember John and Pat in your prayers.

Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.