Isaiah Davis, college student, Dies at 20

By: Frank Rizzo
February 12, 2011
Bemidji Pioneer

DAVIS—Isaiah J., known affectionately as Fox by his family and friends, died suddenly Friday evening at the North Country Regional Hospital in Bemidji from injuries sustained during the process of a hate crime. An investigation is in progress. Born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids, Isaiah grew up on property once owned by his grandparents near Menahga.

As a youngster, Isaiah had no fear of physical challenges. He would think of something and do it, and his parents were glad he survived it. It was good that his dad was his Cub Scout leader. Isaiah was a graduate of Menahga High School where he participated in cross country, basketball, and baseball; played the trombone and drums; excelled in speech competition; and was loved by students and teachers alike.

Isaiah was the leading point guard from 2006 to 2008 and a team player. To him assists were more important than his own personal scoring, and team spirit was more important than success. He would attend the girls’ basketball games, dressed fully in school colors, and lead the fans in cheering. However, sometimes while playing basketball, he did love to wow the crowd and those people very special to him with an occasional slam dunk. Isaiah used his amazing ability to entertain by competing on the Menahga High School speech team. His category was creative expression, and in his eight minute speeches, he imitated many well-known celebrities. He came up with stories that were both humorous and serious, that could make people both laugh and cry. Isaiah’s mother and uncle were his coaches, and what a pleasure it was to them to watch him grow in his ability to communicate. Isaiah competed at the state level for three years, and in 2008 he received his highest award, the second place medal from the Minnesota State High School League. The following year his expressive body covered the front of the state speech program.

Isaiah continued his education at Bemidji State University where he intended to major in communication. He took part in the FYRE program in Oak Hall his first year and spent his second year in Tamarack. This year he lived off campus. And with just one school year to go, his young life was cut short. Isaiah’s college roommates were shocked by his sudden passing, and they will carry his coffin at the funeral. His expressive face, quick wit, and loving personality will be deeply missed by all who enjoyed hours of laughter in his company: his parents, brothers, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Services will be held at Riverside Methodist Church in Park Rapids on Wednesday at 11:00am, the Reverend Lee Kantonen officiating.

In lieu of flowers, and in Isaiah’s memory, donations can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit civil rights organization, at 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104. Thank you.


Thank you.