James Richard Davenport

James Richard Davenport was born September 6, 1911, at Richland Springs, Texas. He was graduated from Richland Springs High School in 1929 and attended Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas. He attended Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennessee, where he received his LLB degree.

He entered the employ of Texas Automatic Sprinklers, Inc., in 1936; and has been with that company continuously to date, where he now serves as President and Chairman of the Board. He belongs to the Dallas Rotary Club, with 25 years perfect attendance. He is a member of the Dallas Bar Association and the Texas State Bar Association.

He is married to Betty Davenport and resides at 11135 Lawnhaven Road, Dallas, Texas. They have three children: Kay Davenport – University of London, London, England; Mark T. Davenport – Partner, Atwell, Cain, Davenport and Jones, Attorneys at Law, Dallas, Texas; and James K. Davenport – Senior, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. He and his wife are members of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church of Dallas, Texas.

He is at present a member of A. C. Garrett Lodge No. 1216, A.F.&A.M.; White Rock Lodge No. 234, A.F.&A.M., where he is presently serving as Worshipful Master; A. C. Garrett Chapter No. 420, R.A.M.; A.C. Garrett Council No. 382, R.&S.M.; A. C. Garrett Commandery No. 103, K. T.; Dallas Scottish Rite Bodies and was invested Knight Commander Court of Honor in November, 1975; member Hella Temple Shrine. He is a Past High Priest of A. C. Garrett Chapter, Past Thrice Illustrious Master of A. C. Garrett council, Past Commander of A. C. Garrett Commandery and an Honorary Life Member of Dallas Chapter and Dallas Council. He is also a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, Texas York Rite College, Order of the Silver Trowel and the Order of High Priesthood.

He is the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of New Zealand near the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas. Companion Davenport was elected Right Excellent Grand Scribe of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas in 1971, passed through the Chairs and was elected and installed as Most Excellent Grand High Priest on December 3, 1974, and served for the year 1975.