James Eirian Davies

James Eirian Davies (1918 - 1998) was a Welsh poet and Methodist minister. His parents were Rachel and Dafydd Davies, who worked a farm in the Nantgaredig area of Carmarthenshire. He attended Nantgaredig Primary School and then the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Carmarthen.

He was much affected at a young age by the death of his brother Emrys, who drowned when both were swimming in the River Towy near Llain. He was much comforted by the local chapel community, and it was they who later influenced his decision to enter the ministry.

Following a preparatory year at Trevecka College, he studied for a degree at University College of Wales, Swansea. He then sought theological training at the 'United Theological College' in Aberystwyth, and was well known in the area as a popular (and unconventional) student-preacher.

In 1949, he was ordained a Methodist minister, ministering in Hirwaun and Penderyn, Cynon Valley (1949-1954). He later moved to Brynaman (1955-1961), and then to Bethesda, Mold and Nercwys in Flintshire (1962-1981).

His published writings include a number of volumes of poetry titled, 'Awen y Wawr'(1947), 'Cân Galed' (1967), 'Cyfrol o Gerddi' (1985), Awen yr Hwyr (1991), and 'Darnau Difyr' (1989).

Towards the end of his life he moved to live in a residential home in Ffairfach, near Llandeilo. he died there in July 1998. Following the funeral his ashes were dispersed in the pool where his brother drowned.

A plaque of remembrance is displayed at the chapel in Nantgaredig.