James Davis Grant II

James Davis Grant II, “Davis”, went to his heavenly home on September 10, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ann Orr Grant and Andrew Davis Grant. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Deborah Demmer Grant, his children and their spouses, Jennifer Grant Lester and Paul Lester, James Davis Grant III and Dr. Andrea Musarra. The delights of his life were his two precious granddaughters, Lilly Jane Lester, age 10, and Hannah Lynn Lester, age 7. Others include his two sisters and two brothers and their spouses, Kathey and John Pendleton, Melissa and Mark Dietz, John and Carol Grant, Richard and Anita Grant.

Davis was born in Bryan, TX on January 13, 1948. He moved to Austin in first grade, attended Casis Elementary, Lamar Middle School and McCallum High School, graduating in 1966. After having too much fun freshman year at UT Austin, “Papa” dropped him off in Nacogdoches where he knew all the lawyers, judges and policemen in the county. He then received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Stephen F. Austin University in 1973. In 1974 he went to work for NL Industries and moved overseas to live in Athens, Greece working on-site in the oil industry in Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East. In 1978, during a trip home to Texas, he delivered a gift to his co-worker’s sister in Dallas. And that was it. Debbie was the best thing that ever happened to him! Her crazy was the perfect match to his crazy. Love at first date, married in Cairo in September, she was the love of his life. Darling Jenny was born in August 1979 sparking a move back home to Tyler, TX near grandparents. Darling Dave was born in December 1981. Davis always said he “rode the oil business down”. The construction business in 1987 was a new venture of an old dream. Moving to Austin in 1992 was a fresh start as a Contractor in the Roofing Industry. For the next 31 years he was in his element, meeting and helping new people understand the process and signing on the bottom line. His customers became friends and a captive audience for all of his stories. He loved Jesus and tried to wedge Him in to every conversation. He was dedicated to his job, loved his work family and was the happiest ever at Kidd Roofing. Davis’ extracurricular activities included spending many frustrating, yet enjoyable days on the golf course, driving around in his red corvette with the wind in his hair and shooting practice at the range. He collected guns and quality western boots and he could fix just about anything. Spending time with his beloved granddaughters was the most important thing to him. He was their number one fan, watching them play soccer, golf, dance and other activities.

The family wants to thank all of the kind and excellent doctors and nurses at Dell Seaton Medical Center at UT and Texas Neuro Rehabilitation Center for helping us through the most difficult 3 months of our lives.

There was a private family ceremony held on the 15th.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Tyler Meals on Wheels, Grace Covenant Church Austin, the Ben Carson Cornerstone Foundation, Hillsdale College or the Salvation Army.

Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.