Colby James Davis
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Colby James Davis, 28, passed away at home from an unknown cause on May 26th, 2026. Colby was born on August 30th, 1997, to Julie Daugherty Starnes and James Davis.
Colby graduated from Van Horn High School in 2016 and then went on to MCC – Blue River where he received his associate’s degree with honors. Colby received the Honorable Academic Achievement award with a GPA of 3.9 or higher. He was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
He then went on to the College of the Ozarks and received a bachelor’s degree in history. College of the Ozarks was very special to Colby. He was surrounded by a great group of young adults and professors. When Colby first started attending the College of the Ozarks, he worked on campus in landscaping. He hated it at first but grew to love it and stayed on the landscaping crew until graduation.
Colby was employed by the Independence School District (Luff Elementary) where he was a Paraprofessional. Colby had worked there for three years and just signed his letter of intent to return to Luff for the 2026-2027 school year. He absolutely loved the kids and staff at Luff.
Colby is survived by his mom Julie Daugherty Starnes (Chris); dad James Davis; half-brothers Jaden and Henry Davis; his stepbrothers Aaron and Alex Starnes and stepsister Alyssa Starnes; his grandfather James Daugherty; grandmother Pat Leigh; aunt Jackie Watkins; uncle Don and aunt Gena Davis; cousins Austin (Morgan) Watkins, Morgan Watkins, Tristan Davis and second cousins Gabriella Watkins, Zander Watkins and Anthony Watkins. Colby also leaves behind his beloved dogs Dallas, Jack, Tensley, Ollie and Mollie.
A Celebration of Colby’s life will take place from 5-7pm, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri 64133.
Colby touched everyone he came into contact with. He was compassionate and loved his life. He loved the Lord. He will be greatly missed on this Earth however, God had bigger plans for him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the College of the Ozarks in memory of Colby Davis. To donate online, click the following link http://www.cofo.edu/Donate. Please put “In memory of Colby Davis” in the comment box. To donate by check/cash, please make check payable to College of the Ozarks, with “In memory of Colby Davis” on the memo line and mail to College of the Ozarks, Attn: Development Office, P. O. Box 17, Point Lookout, MO 65726.
Julie, I am so, so sorry. I know how happy and proud Colby made you and how special he is to you. Love you, Girl. 💕
Julie, words can not express the heartache I have for you. To lose a child is nothing anyone can comprehend. So, dear lady, I have no words for you, which for me is a big deal, I only have love to give to you and prayers to comfort you. May God wrap his most loving arms around you and give you peace. With much love, Lisa
Julie, I’m so sorry for your loss. When I hear the song, “Let Me Tell You About My Jesus” I think of you. May the strength of your faith carry you and your family at this difficult time.
Peace be with you.
Colby, also known as Mr. Davis to us, was a devoted member of our staff at Luff. I will always remember his humor and light. He was so devoted to each kid in his care and took his job seriously. You could always count on Mr. Davis to help you with reminders or to checkup on one of “his kids” throughout the day. He loved to joke with people and would always say, “It’s Friday!” No matter what day of the week it was. Little chuckles like that were always something Mr. Davis gifted us with. Each life is unique and special. I am so thankful that Colby was part of our Luff family. Once a lion, always a lion Mr. Davis.
I am so sorry for your loss. He sounded like a wonderful man. May God wrap his loving arms around you and his loved ones.
Colby, aka Mr. Davis, was a joy to work with at Luff Elementary! He worked hard with his students. I know he will be missed by his students and the staff.
Once a Luff Lion, Always a Luff Lion!
Colby was a student in several of my history classes at College of the Ozarks. I can’t remember a single day in which he didn’t greet me with his big smile, or ask a question, or want to discuss something he had read. And I don’t know of a single student who he didn’t befriend. Simply put, Colby was one of those rare students who daily reminded me that teaching is more than a job, it’s a passion. To celebrate his life, I looked through pictures of our civil rights class trip, and smiled, that Colby smile.