J. Max Davis was born in Carroll County, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia and Woodrow Wilson College of Law.[2] Qualified legally, he briefly played American football professionally for the Kansas City Chiefs, and later worked as an insurance claims representative, and later still as a lawyer.[4]
In 1981, Davis was elected to the 45th district of the Georgia House of Representatives,[2] covering part of Atlanta,[4] succeeding George Williamson.[5] Described as a conservative Republican, he served until his death, at which time he was the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee. Following a reapportionment in the Georgia House, and a lost primary, he was due to end his term in the House at the end of 2002.[4]
Davis died in November 2002 at the age of 65, of a heart attack after attending a campaign meeting for George Bush.[4] His funeral was held at the Church of The Apostles in Atlanta.[4]
Davis was married to Mary, and they had three children, Jerry Max Davis II, Todd Davis and Stacie Davis Rapson.[4]