James Edward Davis died at Phelps Memorial Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. after a brief illness.

He was born in Salisbury, N.C., to Marie and Dr. Vivian Davis, an only child. James attended elementary and high school in Salisbury, and later graduated from Hampton University with a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering in 1950. He held several advanced degrees, including a master of science from Pratt Institute in urban and regional planning, and a degree in civil engineering from New York University. During his sophomore year, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the southwest Pacific as sergeant in charge of a cargo loading crew from 1943 to 1946.

He married Rosemarie Minor in 1954 and was married for 62 years. They had one daughter, Deidre Marie Davis-Fudge.

James worked in several capacities as a naval architect for the U.S Navy, from 1950 until his retirement in 1985. He was a supervisor of the mechanical engineering department, and head of the dynamic shock analysis branch.

He loved all types of music, especially jazz. He sang bass in several church choirs and the Serendipity Chorale based in Norwalk, Conn. He was head of the music committee and attained emeritus status at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs.

In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by his son in law Ronald Curtis Fudge and granddaughters Aundrea and Alexis Fudge. He will be missed by all.

A celebration of life and memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 23 at 3 p.m, at the Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the organ fund at the Union Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Lee’s Funeral Home in White Plains, N.Y. For online guest book, visit leesfuneralhome.com.