Judi Davis, 80

Judith Mary Davis, 80

Judi Mary (Nelson) Davis, age 80, passed away July 8, 2026, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House. She was born May 15, 1946, in Little Falls, Minn., to Lloyd Douglas Nelson and Gertrude Catherine (Biniek) Nelson. 

Judi was the fourth child, following siblings John, James (Jim) and Joyce. Judi graduated from Davis High School in Yakima, Wash., where she enjoyed cheerleading and many friends. Judi married James (Jim) Riley Davis, Jr., and moved to his family farm in St. John, Wash. Together, Judi and Jim raised their daughter, Deneen Joyce, and Justin Riley. Judi had an entrepreneurial spirit that started with opening a preschool and later a clothing store in St. John, Wash. She continued this path after moving to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where she ran the 40 Thieves clothing store. Judi eventually returned to school, graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work from Lewis & Clark College and a Master of Social Work from Eastern Washington University. Judi loved her job as a social worker for Kootenai Health, where she remained for 20 years before retiring. 

In 1999, Judi married Dr. James (Jim) Young Lea in the Cook Islands. They have enjoyed 27 wonderful years of marriage together. Judi and Jim enjoyed traveling to over 40 countries, sailing, entertaining and spending time at their cabin in Priest Lake, Idaho. Judi enjoyed cooking, decorating her home, shopping and celebrating the Christmas season. She loved the color red, especially in the form of lipstick! She had a passion for saving stray animals, and served on the Humane Society board for many years. Judi’s biggest devotion was always to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Judi is survived by her husband, Jim; children Deneen (Steve) and Justin (Jill); stepdaughters Janet and Jennifer; grandchildren TJ (Craig), Axel (Hailey), Breanna (Kane) and Avery; great-grandchildren Sulley and Freyja; sister Joyce (Gary); nephews Curtis, Christopher, Eric, Cameron and Andrew; along with many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Jason Ryan Davis; parents, Lloyd and Gertrude; and brothers, John and Jim. 

Judi will forever be remembered for her strong spirit and devotion to those around her. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the love she added to our lives.

A celebration of life will be held July 21, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Ten/6, 1705 N. Government Way, Suite 101, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of North Idaho.

Visit Judi’s memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.