Jim Davis CBE, K(DK)
Jim Davis, 20 July 1928 – 20 March 2021, one of the pillars and beacons of British and International Shipping and most iconic shipping man for over seven decades began last night his journey to the Sea of Eternity…
Jim Davis had been actively involved in many areas of the International Maritime Industries for a period of nearly seventy years! His career has included among others being a Director of P&O Lines, Director of Shipping with Kleinwort Benson Merchant Bankers and various chairmanships such as DFDS Limited, Midway Shipping and Wigham Richardson shipbrokers. Other directorships have included Pearl Cruises of Scandinavia, Rodskog Shipbrokers of Hong-Kong, Global Ocean Carriers, part of Tsakos Group, being a former Tsavliris Group associate as well as non- executive director at the Foresight Group.
He was President of IOE – Institute of Export, as well as past President of the ICS (Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers).
He was member of the Bureau Veritas General International Committee.
He joined the World Traders’ Company on 1 December 1991 having been introduced by Lord Limerick. He was clothed as a liverymen on 16 March 2000, having received the Freedom of the Company on 14 September 1994, and the Freedom of the City of London on 25 May 1972. He was also a member of the Shipwrights’ Company.
He was a steadfast supporter of WISTA UK and his contribution to WISTA International events in London was immense! Who can forget the 2009 WISTA International event in London when in responding to my questions, in his preamble he said – nicely matching last week’s International Women’s Day): “It has taken me a whole month for me to recover from chairing the debate at the WISTA Conference here at the IMO Headquarters in London. In the event it was a delightful experience but all men will understand the sheer challenges of facing (keeping in order and discipline) an audience of several hundred intelligent, knowledgeable ladies!” He continued stressing that: “Naturally, two principal topics discussed were, first, the current deplorable state of all the maritime industries and, second, how important a role can the women in shipping play in dealing with the crisis”.
A Philhellene spending his holidays with his family in the Greek archipelago and recording same with his talented drawings and sketches, made him an Ambassador in his own right!
He made, during his tenure, the IMIF (International Maritime Industries Forum), this unique organisation comprising high profile representatives from quite literally all parts of the maritime industry, the number one contributor to maritime market debate all over Planet Ocean; we hope that IMIF and Maritime London – now together, continue his legacy. We will never ever forget the monthly forums at members’ premises nor IMIF’s annual dinners. A great performer too; his fund of humour: U N I Q U E
His last interview was lethal as well as his predictions.
On the 20th September 2011, the London (and worldwide) shipping community descended on the London Hilton (Park Lane) for the acclaimed and glamorous Lloyd’s List Global Awards. Jim Davis received the Lifetime Achievement Award after 60 years in the Shipping Industry, Jim Davis deserves every recognition and appreciation for his exceptional work.
It seemed like the end of an era at the 40th anniversary dinner of the International Maritime Industries Forum in London on November 4th, 2015 when he stepped down from this top job as chairman; a great farewell!
Our deepest condolences to his wife Hanny and his daughters Mariske, Katrina and Charlie as well as his entire family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
2 comments
What a loss! the shipping world today is in mourning, a great mentor, Jim was a pillar, his help and support me in my career since the early eighties. As a Chairman of the IMIF, he invited me to join the IMIF board in the nineties. I was the first woman to have such a privilege. He was a judge on the WISTA-UK children painting competition for the WISTA Millennium Calendar.
When I became President of WISTA-UK in 2008 his support was so valuable, and Jim Davis became our chosen Chairman for most of our WISTA-UK yearly debates on Women’s day, and the Intl Conference in 2009. His presence in a room was unique, he would lead the participants and delegates and ensure everyone will have a voice, and will enjoy the event.
Jim had his own way of organising things, of leading to success and to share his knowledge. What a man! I am so grateful life gave me the opportunity and the gift to spent many years with him as my mentor, his advice, remarks and jokes will be with me forever.
Thanks Jim .. you were the father I did not have in UK … always helping, encouraging and making our shipping path easier … Rest in Peace, you did a good job, look out for us from up and above and guide us like the lighthouse we all need to sail in these waters! Eternally gratefully to you. I can imagine the pain of your family. Our love is with on these sad moments.
I am saddened by the loss of Jim Davis and I was fortunate to meet him at 2017 IMIF annual dinner. He was a very down to earth shipping leader and a great communicator as well as supporter looking also to see women entering the shipping industry. His legacy will remain forever. My warmest condolences to his family.