Jimmy Davis

James Robert Davis, “Jimmy,” 63, of Alta died Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. He was a father, a grandfather, a brother and a racer.

Jimmy is survived by his children, Ryanne of Colfax; and Jeremiah (Liz) Davis of Cedar Rapids; his grandchildren: Dakota, Walker and Nora; his sisters, Cheryl and Cindy Hartmann of Alta; and his brothers, Rich (Donna) Hartmann of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Craig Hartmann of Alta; and his niece Shelby (Shane) Woodstrom. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Carol Davis; as well as his niece, Amanda Hartmann. 

Jimmy lived a life unapologetically his own. He’d make you crazy and love him in the same moment. For better or worse, from start to finish, he never changed. No matter what. He worked hard and was loyal to his people.

Jimmy’s first love was racing. 

It started in the 1960s, when his parents would take the whole Hartmann-Davis clan to Buena Vista Raceway in Alta. They sat in the same seats every week — Jim Sr. would get the family there before most of the cars and teams, in fact, to make sure seats in the center section, halfway up, were theirs. They cheered on Bill Kirk first and then Denny Hovinga, who ran No. 10. It was in the late 60s neighbor Donald Carpenter introduced Rich, Craig and Jimmy to go-karts. For the next 30-plus years, Jimmy, sporting Hovinga’s No. 10, chased victories and trophies with his brothers — Craig, who was their mechanic and Rich, who built their engines and raced as well. He won, a lot, including the 1984 IKF Grand National Championship in the Open class at Newton Kart Klub. 

He passed that love to his children, particularly his son, who chases that same dream of wins and trophies still today. Watching World of Outlaws Sprint Cars — Doug Wolfgang and Jac Haudenschild, in particular — and NASCAR was a constant, and he would hear no argument to the contrary that Dale Earnhardt was the greatest race car driver who ever lived. 

But above all, he loved his family. 

His daughter, who he chose. His son, whose biggest fan he always was. His grandkids, whose pictures wallpapered every room. His sisters and sister-in-law, who stepped up for him time and again. His brothers, who traveled the Midwest with him winning races and making everlasting memories. His nieces, who never weren’t entertained by the sayings and antics of Uncle Jimmy.

Jimmy didn’t always know how to show people he cared. He didn’t always say the right things. But he loved, and he loved hard. He spent his final days with those whom he loved the most. He watched his favorite Westerns. He drank Pepsi. His family held him and prayed with him. He was welcomed into the arms of Jesus, and was reunited with his parents and his niece, and his family takes great comfort in that.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will take place Thursday, May 9, from 4-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.

In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage anyone wishing to give a memorial to donate in Jimmy’s memory to the American Cancer Society.