Mr. James Dennis Davenport

James Dennis Davenport Obituary

His Story

James Dennis Davenport, son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend was born September 24, 1958 to Lucy A. Davenport and Edward Hines. Dennis, was educated in the Atlanta Public School System, as he attended E. R. Carter Elementary School and his beloved Booker T. Washington High School. In high school he ran track, played basketball, and was a member of several clubs and organizations. After graduating from BTW in 1976, he entered the US Army for a brief stint. In 1978, Dennis enrolled in the Atlanta College of Business where he studied accounting. He later attended and graduated from the Georgia School of Bartending.

Accepting Christ at an early age, Dennis was baptized at Greater St. John Baptist Church on Bradley Street. In more recent years, he joined the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta. In his youth and young adult years, James Dennis spent much time at the Ollie Street YMCA and in Washington Park, participating in such activities as swimming and basketball. He later would become a coach in the Y’s youth basketball league.

Circa 1979, through the early 1980’s, James found himself in the world of sports broadcasting and sports commentary. Learning that he was never shy with expressing his opinions (and in his unique way) speaking on the radio was something he certainly enjoyed. He was an understudy and mentee of the legendary Othello “Chico” Renfroe, on radio station WIGO AM 1340, where they aired the Atlanta High School Football Game of the Week and Atlanta University Center football games. Continuing in this love of broadcasting and sports, James again entered the sports broadcasting booth during the 1996 and 1997 seasons where he was the Halftime Analyst for Southwest DeKalb Panther Football, which aired on radio station WRFG 89.3 FM.

James’ employment experience included work as an Attendant at the Standard Club (then located in Buckhead) from 1978 – 1981. From 1987 – 1989 he was the private chauffeur for the president of the Mendis Metals Company. Further, Dennis worked as a bartender (1999 – 2005) at the Omni Hotel, the Hilton Downtown Atlanta Hotel, and at Philips Arena. He as well was a self-employed residential painter, from 1991 – 2025. In his latter years, Dennis became very involved in various public causes, so much so that he became a full-time Community Activist. In 2008, he worked on the staff of “Able” Mable Thomas in her campaign for the Georgia General Assembly. He championed many community issues, including being apart of Black Lives Matter, Black Voters Matter, appeared at local schools, was a public speaker, and he regularly could be found at Atlanta City Hall in Council meetings speaking on behalf of the homeless community and for the rights of everyday citizens. He founded the non-profit organization Hit And Run Help, which assists victims of hit and run accidents. He did this as the result of his older Brother Joseph being the victim of a hit and run driver, in December 2013. James also served in the Missions Ministry at Shiloh.

Perhaps his proudest accomplishment in the world of community activism is when he initiated and spearheaded the years-long effort to have the City of Atlanta rename the Washington Park softball and baseball fields in honor of his mentor, Chico Renfroe. Chico Renfroe remains a legend in Atlanta sports. He was a professional baseball player, an All-Star in the Negro League as a member of the Kansas City Monarchs; he was the official scorer for the Atlanta Braves; and was the public address announcer for the Atlanta Falcons. His voice became synonymous with Atlanta high school and collegiate sports on radio station WIGO. James’ efforts to have the Washington Park fields renamed in honor of his friend Chico Renfroe, ensures that Chico’s legacy and contributions to the City of Atlanta live on for future generations to know.

Dennis’ hobbies included running, basketball, bowling, and hanging with his neighborhood friends “the Bushwhackers.” Dennis was affectionately known by close friends and those on “the Westside” as “Rico.

James Davenport was preceded in death by his mother Lucy Agnes Davenport; by his father Edward Hines; by brother Joseph David Davenport, and by nephews Joseph Jr, and Jamal.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his siblings Lydia Davenport, Steve Davenport, and Lance Davenport. Nieces Lyndia, Nicole, Jacinta, Dana, Jasmine, and Adriana. Three Aunts, Lillie Watson, Sarah D. Wall, and Brenda D. Floyd. Three Uncles, Virgus, Samuel David, and Carl. Three grand nieces, six grand nephews, as well as a host of, and many, cousins and friends.