By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – A longtime resident, business owner, leader and friend to many people in Columbiana died March 2, leaving those who knew him with fond memories and an appreciation for the positive impact he had on the city.

Family and community members reflected on the life of James Treadwell “Jimmy” Davis Sr., 87, with admiration, gratitude and love for him, a man described as a “pillar” of Columbiana.

“Daddy loved Columbiana more than anything,” daughter Carolyn Davis Stricklin said. “He loved the community and all the people.”

Davis opened his drugstore, Davis Drug Company, in 1956 in downtown Columbiana. For the last 60 years, Davis Drug has served as a staple in the city’s business population and a social hub for patrons.

“He loved his job, the employees and all of his customers,” Stricklin said. “The one thing he always said is that he wished he could walk from behind the counter out front so he could talk to people more. Daddy was a people person.”

Davis was known for his strong work ethic.

Michael Davis Stricklin, one of his grandsons, described Davis in a social media post as “a great man” and “a hardworking entrepreneur.”

“He loved his family, the Lord and his customers and community with an open heart,” Michael wrote on March 6. “With over 300 people coming to his viewing yesterday, I can only hope that I will be regarded as half the man as he was to his family and community when my time comes.”

Davis’s grandson Treadwell Davis referred to him as “the man who taught me how to love, how to work hard and how to care for others.”

“He was a family man, an entrepreneur and most of all a Godly man,” Treadwell wrote on March 7. “You impacted many people and I’m honored to follow in your footsteps. I’m proud to call you my grandfather. You will be missed.”