James J. Davern, 84, known lovingly as "Jim," of Clermont, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025. A devoted husband, father, teacher, and lifelong learner, Jim's life was a celebration of curiosity, laughter, and love.

Born on April 13, 1941, in Buffalo, New York, Jim lived a life marked by exploration, service, and generosity. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Norma, in 1961, he embarked on a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, serving his country with distinction from 1961 to 1981. During that time, he lived in Korea and earned degrees from Auburn University (B.S. Industrial Engineering, 1966), Stanford University (M.S. Engineering, 1969), and later his Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida in 1994.

A man of many talents, Jim was a sailor, golfer, roller blader, racquetball champion, triathlete, scuba diver, juggler, softball coach, and handyman. Known as "Mr. Fix-It," he applied his mind and hands to anything in need of repair—especially projects that began with "what Mom broke." His curiosity and zest for learning showed in every phase of his life, from his university teaching at Rollins College, Florida Institute of Technology, and University of Phoenix to his home workshops filled with tinkering, reading, and discovery.

Jim's defining qualities were his humor, kindness, and steadfast love for his family. A "student of life," he was always ready with a joke, a helping hand, or an encouraging word. He was one of a kind—marked by his joy, his Irish spirit, "ugly feet," and his famous "potato legs."

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Norma; daughter and son in law Jamie and Don Etheridge; son and daughter in law Randy and Aurora Davern; and his faithful dog, Molly. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tamie.

A military service will be held at Bushnell Cemetery, 114 W. Noble Avenue, Bushnell, FL, on Friday, October 17, at 11:30 a.m. (please arrive five minutes early). An Irish Wake will follow at Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant, 6244 Spring Lake Hwy, Brooksville, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

In remembering Jim, may we all find balance, laughter, and—above all— equipoise.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jim's honor to Vitas Healthcare or Cornerstone - Mike Conley Hospice House.