James "Jay" Blair Davis, 75, of Waterloo, Illinois, born Christmas Day 1941 in East St. Louis, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, September 26 2017, at St. Anthony's Medical Center.

Jay was employed 34 years by Illinois Power/Dynegy as an outage maintenance supervisor. He retired in 2004 but continued contract work for the same company until 2010. Jay was a U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran serving as a crewman in a heavy attack squadron flying from aircraft carriers. He was a member of the Metzger Crook VFW post 6504 and the United Church of Christ.

In his earlier years he enjoyed competitive horseshoe pitching and league bowling. He was also active in his children's athletic careers but the most rewarding was watching his grandchildren excel in their athletic and academic endeavors.

He continually battled prostate/bone cancer for 21 years and felt blessed that he was able to battle it so long.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Blair and Margaret, nee Mahoney Davis; brother, Fred Davis; two brothers-in-law, Terry Poe and James Greenwood; and a niece, Tracy Lynn Poe.

Surviving are his childhood sweetheart Carol Jean, nee Webb, who he married on November 5, 1966 at the Emmanuel United Church of Christ in East St. Louis, IL; his children, Michelle Rae (Mike) Smith and Jason Blair (Sara) Davis; two sisters, Joleen Greenwood and Janet Poe; a brother, Philip (Diane) Davis; brother-in-law, Charles (Mary) Webb; sister-in-law, Linda Davis; four grandchildren, Michael Duane Smith, Alexandra Jean Smith, Zachary Blair Davis and Tyler Charles Davis. He was a dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Memorials may be made to Monroe County Humane Society or BJC Siteman Cancer Center.

Friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2017, at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 2, 2017 at the funeral home with Pastor Todd Mushaney officiating. Burial will be at Valhalla Gardens of Memory Belleville, Illinois.