James Lee Davenport

Bishop James Lee Davenport

Early on July 5th, 1934, a 6lb 8oz boy was born to Lee Olan and MerleAvo (Armstrong) Davenport in Morris, Oklahoma. James Lee Davenport was the first born, eldest of seven children, 5 boys and 2 girls. Seeking employment, in 1940, Lee decided to leave Morris for Salem, Oregon, followed in 1941 by MerleAvo, James Lee and 2 siblings.

December 1944 brought tragedy with the death of James’ little brother Ralph. This loss caused the family to seek answers to profound life questions and lead them to the cross. Two years later, the day after Christmas 1946, James and his mother received the precious Gift of the Holy Ghost. Then, in accordance with Peter’s words in Acts 2:38, they were baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ, in the icy Willamette River. Beginning James’ lifelong journey with his precious Savior.

June of 1952, James Lee graduated from Salem High School and in September, attended Conquerors Bible College (CBC) Portland, Oregon. During his second year, he met Elizabeth Fay Reynolds. That fall James and Elizabeth exchanged vows September 25, 1954, in Toppenish, Washington. The newlyweds remained in Portland, and in September 1955 Elizabeth gave birth to Nathan Lee.

Upon graduating, they moved to Emmett, Idaho, here their second child, Diana, was born in July of 1957. The following year the family moved to Toppenish, Washington. Where they bought their first home and completed the family with the birth of sweet Kathleen. In 1966, James became Pastor of a Home Missions Church on 18th Street in Yakima, prompting a final move to Union Gap, Washington.

Prayerfully, on September 20, 1981, James became pastor of the Apostolic UPC of Toppenish, Washington. During the 45 years that James pastored Toppenish, he held numerous positions in the UPCI Western District and Section 3. With the loyalty and faithfulness of a frequently tiny Toppenish congregation, he and Elizabeth faithfully supported the section and district. Frequently winning recognition and awards for their efforts. Often the goals were beyond their limited resources, repeatedly proving that God takes care of His children.

Now we all know that “Jim” was a spitfire, combined with the Energizer Bunny!! He frequently spoke his mind, whether you liked what he said or not. He was a non-stop, full speed ahead, give it your best shot person.

One outstanding quality was his persistent pursuit of souls. If he hadn’t seen you in church, he would set his sights on you, continually inviting you to church until you came. He often gave financial advice, told you how to fix your car or fixed it himself, regaled you with personal antidotes and he knew Washington valleys well. Giving directions on the highways was second nature to him, but his first nature was giving you directions to Heaven.

James was talented, God given talented. He was an accomplished musician, hand him any stringed instrument and he could and would play it. He also played the piano, accordion, sang in a Quartet, and was song leader for countless worship services. He was a certified Master Mechanic, a business owner, owning both Texeco and Shell full-service gas stations, and an accomplished athlete.

One of his greatest joys was mentoring youth. James planned his week around his youth ministry. scheduling his midweek church service for Tuesdays, to accommodate various sports league schedules.

While working full-time jobs, often 50 to 60 hour weeks, driving fuel delivery trucks for Kelly Oil and Freeth Distributing, James played as hard as he worked. Wednesdays, Fridays and some Saturdays were league nights. Thursdays were spent volunteering at the Yakima County Juvenile Detention Center, where, after Bible study and prayer, he enjoyed playing basketball with the youth. James enlisted boys and girls to team up and compete in Flag Football, the He & She Softball League and his favorite Fast Pitch Softball, with his prized team the “All Stars”. Many times, his teams were league Champion because James was “in it, to win it”! He always gave his best and coached the best out of his players, while encouraging them in the Lord and eating hotdogs and popcorn at the concession stand. An amazing pitcher and coach, James pitched and coached his last game at the age of 76 and was celebrated by his lifelong teammates and friends.

From the age of 12 James Lee devoted his life to serving his Lord and Savior for the next 79 years. In 1954, Elizabeth joined him and on September 25, 2024, the 90-year-old couple, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. James Lee sat the standard high because he knew you could achieve it if you tried your best.

James is preceded in death by Elizabeth, his adoring wife of 70 years; parents Lee Olan and MerleAvo; brothers Lawrence and Ralph.

Beloved son Nathan; son-in-law Christopher; grandchildren Daniel, Candice and Tawna; great grandchildren Jericho and Trenton

He leaves behind daughters Diana (Arthur), Kathleen (John), and Joanne: and sister-in-law Evelyn May Stewart.

Siblings: Eva Glazer, Walter (Lynn), R. Everett (Barbara) and Elaine (Randy)

Eight treasured grandchildren: Brandon, Justin (Sharon), Bryony (David), Bryson, Nathan (Nancy), Brittony, Chauntae’ (Brett), Ariella.

Fifteen precious great-grandchildren: Justin James, Christopher, London, Jacob, Evelyn, Lincoln, Bryden, Aiden, Logan, Levi, Skyler, Wesley, Owen, Audrey and Nathan III.