Farewell to Justice Davis — an unrelenting warrior

Justice of Appeal, James “Jim” Davis, who was cremated yesterday, was described as a gentle person but an “unrelenting warrior” against those who threatened scourge on this nation. Senior Counsel Frank Solomon, who delivered the eulogy, also described Davis as a distinguished human rights jurist, who was a nation builder. Solomon noted that although Davis was a gentle person, he was an ardent hunter, and  had written some radical judgments. Davis, who died at age 78 on May 17, 2005, will be remembered by his wife Marlene, sons Stewart and Alan,  daughter Annabelle and grandchildren Mia and Emily.

His funeral service took place yesterday at the Church of Assumption, Maraval. He was then  cremated at the Long Circular Road crematorium. Father Godfrey Stoute, who delivered the homily, told his congregation that death was not the end but only a doorway to a new realm. And  to get there, he said,  people must stop living life “his or her way,” but God’s way. He also told his congregation to immediately put their lives in order and focus on the love of God since death could fall upon them at any moment.

He entreated the audience not to postpone this most important task. The service was attended by many judges including Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma, Justice of Appeal Stanley John, retired Appeal Court judges Ulric Cross and  Lionel Jones, and Justices  Nolan Bereaux, Amrika Tiwary-Reddy, Judith Jones, Ian Benjamin and Master Ralph Doyle. Several attorneys were also present. Among them were Desmond Allum SC, president of the Criminal Law Association, Reginald Armorer SC, Vernon De Lima, Gregory Delzin and Elton Prescott.