The Northern Tier League community is mourning the loss of legendary basketball coach Jim Davis, who passed away on Nov. 11.
Davis coached the Northeast Bradford boys basketball team for 31 years and won 11 NTL championships and two District IV titles. In 1987, the Panthers reached the PIAA Eastern Finals, and two other times he led NEB to the Eastern semifinals.
He later coached the Athens boys basketball team for several years.
Coach Davis racked up an incredible 737 career wins and was named NTL coach of the year numerous times.
Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel in Nichols.
Here is the complete obituary for Coach Jim Davis:
James J. Davis, affectionately known to many as Coach Davis or Jim, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family as he bravely faced Parkinson’s disease in his final days. Born on November 19, 1939, in Sayre, PA, Jim’s life was characterized by his unwavering dedication to his family, his students, and the many athletes he coached throughout his career.
Jim’s legacy begins with his cherished family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Linda (Nealis) Davis, and their children: Robert “Bob” and Jennifer Schultz, Jim (Nicki) Davis, Michelle and Curt Chaffee, and Brian and Kathy Davis. A respected father-in-law, he will also be fondly remembered by Paula (Dean) Cacciavillano. His role as a grandfather brought him immense joy, a role he cherished with his grandchildren: Jimmy (Meagan) Davis, Jessie (Degan) Smith, Lauryn Schultz (fiancé Kolby Hoffman), Nicholas Schultz (fiance Desirae Fletcher), Cody Chaffee, Victoria (Jason) Meiswinkel, and Montana Davis. His great-grandchildren, Bella, Sawyer, Claire, Parker, Kiernan, Katie, Ian, Noah, and Gauge will miss his gentle presence and the wisdom he imparted. Jim was also the beloved son-in-law to Pearl Nealis and brother-in-law to Shirley (Jack) Hanson and Helen Nealis. A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, including his special cousin George Rogers, will also cherish his memory. Jim was predeceased by his parents, George and Esther (Morgan) Davis; his son Michael Schultz; a granddaughter Jenelle Davis; his siblings, Morgan (Mary Edith) Davis, Francis (Jane) Davis, Mary (Dave) Rice; his father-in-law, Garland Nealis; and brothers-in-law Jerry (Linda) Nealis and Don Nealis.
A standout student-athlete, Jim graduated from Northeast Bradford High School, where he excelled in basketball and baseball, and later from Mansfield University. His passion for sports was only matched by his talent in music, having won at State Band for his clarinet and trombone performances. Coach Davis left an indelible mark on Northeast Bradford High School and Athens High School. But it was on the basketball court where his legacy would truly be cemented, amassing 737 career wins and having the honor of being named NTL coach of the year numerous times.
For 28 years, he was the driving force behind a youth basketball camp, shaping the lives of countless young athletes. His contributions to sports and education were recognized with his selection as the first member of the Northeast Bradford Hall of Fame in 2019. During his 31 year tenure at Northeast Bradford, the Panthers won 11 league championships and two District IV titles. In 1987, the Panthers reached the Eastern Finals, and two other times reached the Eastern Semifinals. In 1980, his squad was selected as Twin Tiers Champions. In later years, Jim came out of retirement to coach girls basketball for several years, enjoying many successful seasons. On October 8th 2000, he was inducted in the Northeastern Region Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. It was here that Coach Davis was noted to say it was not the wins and losses he was most proud of, but what his players accomplished off the court.
Jim’s professional life was as a Chemistry teacher at Northeast Bradford for 34 years, where his ties were as much a part of his identity as his supportive and engaging teaching style. He also served as Athletic Director for 25 years, guiding young athletes with a steady hand and a kind heart. His retirement in 1999 did not diminish the impact he had on his community, as he continued to be a respected figure in education and sports.
Outside of his professional life, Jim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He and Linda shared a love for their camper in Watkins Glen, where they made countless friends and memories. Jim’s life was a testament to the power of love, friendship, and passion. As Helen Keller once said, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Jim’s love for his family, his students, and his athletes will forever be a part of the many lives he touched.
Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation on Saturday, December 6th from 10 -12pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. Memories and condolences may also be shared by visiting his guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Northeast Bradford Education Foundation 526 Panther Lane, Rome PA 18837, the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station PO Box 4777, New York, NY or Turning Point for God, PO BOX 3838, San Diego California 92163 in loving memory of James J. “Coach” Davis.
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