Davis was killed in a road traffic collision on the morning on 9 August 2003. At around 4:30 a.m., his car hit the back of a 32-ton articulated lorry while travelling southbound on the M40 in Oxfordshire, and Davis was later pronounced dead at the scene. At around 9 p.m., Davis informed Webber of his intention to drive home for the night and return the following day for the game against Coventry.

An inquest determined Davis was travelling at around at the time of the incident, and was twice the legal drink-drive limit. Around 500 people attended the private service, including players and representatives from both Manchester United and Watford. a song Davis sang for his initiation after signing for Watford. At the suggestion of captain Roy Keane, United also paid tribute to him after their victory in the 2004 FA Cup Final, when after the final whistle and before the presentation they changed into shirts printed with Davis's name and squad number, 36. Watford commemorated Davis in their next match after his death, a 1–0 win over Bournemouth in the League Cup, with both teams wearing black armbands, the captains placing wreathes and the entire stadium holding a minute's silence before kick-off; at full time, Davis' friend and teammate, Danny Webber, took off his shirt to reveal a vest printed with Davis' name and Watford squad number. England's game against Croatia on 20 August was also preceded by a minute's silence in memory of Davis and former coach Ray Harford, who had died the same day as Davis.

References

  • Jimmy Davis at ManUtd.com
  • Jimmy Davis at Swindon-Town-FC.co.uk