Obituary of James Mentzer Davis

James M. Davis, 85, a resident of The Village at Penn State, died Tuesday, March 22, 2016. He was born in Altoona, PA on November 27, 1930, the son of the late John Rolland Davis and Marion Mentzer Davis. On August 15, 1953, in Altoona, he married JoAnne Marie Keller who survives at home. Jim was a 1948 graduate of Altoona High School. In 1952, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, and in 1953 his Masters degree in Health Education, both from Penn State University. He served in the United States Army Medical Corp. at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C., from 1953-1955. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Craig M. Davis of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Lynn D. Hellmuth and her husband Frank, of Charlotte, North Carolina; three grandchildren, of whom he was tremendously proud: Whitney L. Davis, J. Reid Judson Davis, and Scott F. Hellmuth; and three great grandchildren: Violet E. Davis, Keegan H. Davis, and Mila R. Davis. From 1955-1988, Jim taught Health & Physical Education. He also coached cross country and track and field. Jim enjoyed nine years at Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda, Maryland, and twenty four years at Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland. Jim loved every minute of his teaching and coaching career. He was inducted into the Montgomery College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. He was a member of the State College Presbyterian Church. A celebration of life will be held at The Village at Penn State, 260 Lions Hill Rd, State College from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm on April 23, 2016. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family at the Boalsburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to State College Presbyterian Church at 132 West Beaver Avenue, State Collage, PA 16801 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.