James Houston Davis

Jimmie Davis was born and raised on a small farm in Jackson Parish with his 10 siblings. Davis worked hard to put himself through school, teaching, working odd-jobs, and performing music. After earning two college degrees, Davis worked as a teacher, filled in occasionally for the Clerk of the Shreveport City Court, and became a recording artist under a contract with Decca.

Davis had been a country and gospel singer for years before entering politics, which he was able to use to his advantage during his campaigns for public office. Before running for governor, Davis won elections for Commissioner of Public Safety in Shreveport and a position on the Public Service Commission.

The beginning of Davis' first term as governor was marked by World War II, but the post-war boom had improved the lives of Louisiana residents dramatically by 1948. Davis was elected governor for a second time in 1960. His second term in office came in the midst of the civil rights movement and was marked by tension over desegregation efforts. Despite his sometimes debated legacy, the Davis administration was able to make improvements to roads, teacher and state employee salaries, and state sponsored mental health facilities. Davis also oversaw the construction of Toledo Bend, funding for capital improvements at state universities, and the creation of many public hunting and fishing areas. Davis continued to perform throughout his political career, and has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Davis was a member of both York and Scottish Rite bodies in Louisiana. He was first initiated an Entered Apprentice at the Jonesboro Lodge No. 280 while he was a student in March of 1927. By September of that year, he had been raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. In 1938, Davis affiliated with Joppa Lodge No. 362 in Shreveport. He later became a charter member of the A.U. Peterson Lodge No. 455 in 1960. Having been a Freemason for 70 years, Davis reached the age of 101 years old before passing in Baton Rouge in 2000.