Dr. James Orville Davis, 83, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Jim was born on April 6, 1943, in Novelty, Missouri, to Roy and Lucille Davis. He pursued his childhood admiration of becoming a psychologist by attending Oklahoma State University, where he earned his PhD. The profession was his life’s calling—one he pursued with passion and unwavering dedication for more than 60 years.

Jim made a lasting impact in the field of psychology. He broke new ground in 1985 as the first sports psychologist at the United States Olympic training center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was influential in advancing schizophrenia research and helped set up the sleep lab at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He also shared his knowledge and passion for learning as a dedicated professor over multiple decades at Missouri State University and Drury University and provided classes on happiness at the Meyer Center in Springfield.

Oklahoma State University did more than provide his education, it is where he met the love of his life, Lin Mills. Jim and Lin’s love story began quickly and beautifully—after just four weeks of dating, they were married on August 29, 1969, beginning a lifelong partnership. Over their 57 years of marriage they had 3 children, 2 grandchildren, and travelled the world.

An avid athlete, Jim completed both the Pikes Peak and Boston Marathons, was the number one rower in his age group and broke world records multiple years on the Concept II, was a competitive mountain bicyclist, and enjoyed playing racquetball, basketball, and softball with family and friends. He also found great joy in road bicycling, adventuring throughout the Ozarks, and proudly rode the Iconic KATY Trail, the longest “Rail-Trail” in the Country, multiple times.

Jim’s commitment to excellence and service began early. He earned the title of Eagle Scout as a young boy. He gave generously of his time and talents with several organizations throughout his lifetime, including Habitat for Humanity, leaving a positive and lasting imprint on all who knew him and the communities he served.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Lucille Davis, Tulsa, Oklahoma; and his brother, Gary Davis, Thousand Oaks, California.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Lin of Springfield, Missouri; son Tydence Davis of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter Holly (Caleb) Church and their children Wyatt and Miles of Frederick, Colorado; and daughter Brenna (Trevor) Davis of Battlefield, Missouri. He also leaves behind his brother Donald (Rhonda) Davis of Boulder, Colorado; Kathleen (Thomas) McMahon of Rockland, Massachusetts and their families; and countless friends.

Visitation will be from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, with Funeral Service following at 2:00 PM, on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 20 in Maple Park Cemetery.