Obituary of James W. Davies

James W. Davies, age 82, died Friday, April 5, 2013 at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, Paterson, New Jersey with his family by his side. Mr. Davies was born in Kingston, New York, and was the only child of the late James B. Davies and the late Marion Davies. He lived in Wayne, New Jersey since the mid 1950s. Mr. Davies is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Lois Davies; his daughter Karen Davies of Wayne; and his sons James Davies of Wayne; Mark Davies and wife Terry of Passaic, New Jersey; Steven Davies and wife Stephanie of Bridgeton, New Jersey; and Drew Davies and partner Edward of Chicago, Illinois; his grandchildren Holly, Catherine, Kevin, Rachel, James, and John; and great-grandson Allister. A mechanical engineer who worked in the aerospace industry, Mr. Davies graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1951 and specialized in navigation and guidance systems. Launching his career with Curtiss-Wright, he joined Kearfott Company in the fall of 1958 as a project engineer in the inertial guidance laboratory, and remained with the company in project management roles until his retirement in the 1990s. He held a special passion for classic cars, including his vintage MG and Lincoln Continental, as well as for engines, aircraft, and other mechanical instrumentation. He loved to travel with his family, especially road trips to the American Southwest and driving adventures in Britain. He was a longtime member of the Preakness Reformed Church, where he had served as Deacon. He had a quick mind and wit, liked to watch car racing on television, and always enjoyed a home cooked meal and family occasions, especially Thanksgiving. He is loved by his family and will be greatly missed. Visiting hours will be Tuesday from 5-8 PM. The funeral service will be private at the request of the family. Memorials may be made to Eva's Village, Inc., 393 Main St., Paterson, NJ 07501-2815