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Dr. John Bradford Davis Jr.
Dr. John Bradford Davis Jr.
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John Davis Obituary
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Ramraj (Ram) Singh
July 7, 2021
It was always a pleasure visiting with John and Joy at the Boranians in Edina. After a very sumptuous dinner hosted by Mayva and Paul, we would chat about our life experiences professionally and socially. I learnt so much from John B. He was a fountain of knowledge and very funny. Rest in peace my friend. God bless.
Barry Peterson
June 30, 2021
Greetings, with fond remembrances, to Joy, as I think of both John and Joy during this period. John is frequently on my mind; and Joy's considerate and encouraging manner over the years were topping on the cake as I waited for John to come to the phone or meet me at my home for our frequent breakfast dates. Joy, I am thinking of you and hoping you are fine!
Barry Peterson
June 30, 2020
I continue to think of John. We met for the first time on the first day of Classes at Macalester College in his office with my roommate Arnold CS Cheng and his dad, Dr. Franklin FY Cheng of Hong Kong. We established a friendship that lasted for thirty-one years until his passing.
John spoke to me about leadership at the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank, where he was chairman of the board of directors, and about life on his farm, his son (John's) maritime business, and about politics.
John's widow and friend, Joy, encouraged me to move along John's legacy of making certain that the youth of the world were educated. I have taken an interest in three children in Ghana, for whom I serve as their adoptive grandfather. I have also had contact with members of the Minneapolis school board, of which he was once superintendent, and speak to my neighbor kids about their interest in school. I encourage children and adults toward studies, and am now a language coach for Chinese physicians and engineers in the U.S. and China.
John has had a tremendous impact on my morality and on my outlook toward community service, and I will be forever grateful for meeting him and enjoying a meaningful friendship with him.
Barry Peterson
July 1, 2019
John was and remains a great hero of mine. We met in 1980 at his Macalester College president's office. Both my roommate, young Arnold C-S Cheng, and his eminent dad, surgeon Franklin C-Y Cheng, MD were with us as Dr. Cheng offered John a silk tie as a small gift.
John and I remained friends until his passing in 2011. I am writing on July 1, 2019.
John's impact on me leaves me realizing that I am a capable and considerate man; Joy's last words to me were: "Barry, carry on John's legacy of making certain children are educated."
With that, I have adopted [now] adults in Ghana and have sent them and their children children through school.
John's energy and outgoing manner remain present in my memory, and I frequently instruct young adults and teenagers to introduce themselves to others in the same outgoing manner that John introduced himself to others -- with a hearty "Hello!" followed by "My name is [full name]! Pleased to meet you!"
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Tommie Taylor
August 10, 2011
Mr. Davis was a lion of a man. It took a lot of courage and ability to lead the schools in Minneapolis to where they should go. God bless his spirit. God bless his family.
Carl Wiggins
July 30, 2011
Rest in peace, President Davis. You were truly a great man, at a time when Macalester needed one. For me and many other alumni, you will always be president of Macalester.
Barry Peterson
July 17, 2011
John and I met at Macalester College in 1980 at his office with my roommate and his dad, both from Hong Kong. We remained friends up until his illness made it impossible for him to talk. His spirit was thorough and vast. His humor, compassion, professionalism, and stateliness have thoroughly contributed to my life -- and made it all the more easier for me to emerge from major mental illness into a state of happiness and calm. I won't miss him; he is with me in every breath I take.
Michele Jansen
July 9, 2011
I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Davis last summer for a video about the 40th anniversary of KBEM radio, part of the Minneapolis Public Schools. He was instrumental in getting the district to purchase the signal, 88.5, and we are forever grateful for that. He has left his mark on the Minneapolis Public Schools in many ways. Our sympathies are with you at this time.
Michele Jansen
Station Manager
KBEM/Jazz 88
Ram Singh
July 9, 2011
Dr. Davis was a role model for all of us professionals in the education business. His leadership has moulded the lives of thousands across the Twin Cities area. He was a dear friend who will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Davis and all relatives and friends.
Gary Gilson
July 9, 2011
Whenever I saw John his quiet, good-humored force and presence lifted my spirit. He was a superb leader.
My sympathy to his family.
Luis F Gomez
July 8, 2011
I met Dr. Davis in 1977 when I was a foreign student from Colombia at Macalester College. I remember well how students appreciated him. I also recall how his welcoming and friendly way made me feel at home and encouraged me to participate in College activities
My prayers to him and his family
July 8, 2011
I had the pleasure and honor to meet and work with John while he was here at Minnesota State University,Mankato. He was what we needed and he for ever will hold a special place in my heart as a kind and gentle man. He brought with him the air of professionalism and grace. John it is your time to rest as you gave so much to so many. You will be forever missed. Teri Homer
Debbie Novotny
July 8, 2011
Dear Joy,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved John. I have known Mr. Davis from Macalester back to the days of the MN Club. He was a very special gentlemen and my prayers are with you and your family.
Hannah Angelica
July 7, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
July 7, 2011
Dear Joy,
John & I are saddened to read of John D's death. We got to know him even before we met you seeing him, & Barbara, at numerous parties at Ross Taylor's, (our cousin), home. He was, indeed, a very special gentleman, educator, leader, compassionate, witty & we feel privileged to have known him. We send our most genuine & heartfelt condolences to you & his family.
We moved to Santa Rosa, the SF Bay area, last fall. Details from Barbara B. if you're interested.
Skipper & John Taylor
Chris Tolbert
July 7, 2011
I had to opportunity to meet and learn from Dr. Davis once, and it was such an enjoyable experience. His friend and my Grandfather, Jerry Christenson, wanted all of his children and grandchildren to learn from some of the "giants" in Minnesota, so he invited Dr. Davis, Harry Davis, Congressman Fraser, and Mayor Latimer to his home and had them speak to my family. Listening to him made it apparent what a brilliant mind he possessed.
I truly enjoyed that experience, and appreciated learning from a great person like Dr. Davis. I know that my Grandfather held him in the highest regard. He'll be missed, but the positive impact he has made on our state, particularly in the area of education, will keep his legacy alive.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Davis family at this time.
Charles Norman
July 7, 2011
John Davis had his office just above mine for some years, and we talked and argued about myriad issues at the college. But whatever our disagreements he was never other than generous with me as with everyone else who came in contact with him. I admired the man enormously and appreciate the great work he did in giving Macalester back its heritage, which it was in danger of losing. Every school has its great man. John was ours.
Karen Hoffman
July 7, 2011
My memories of Dr. Davis are of a man who had a sense of humor while knowing that life and education are serious business. He was an approachable person, and beyond all the other accolades, I will not forget that warmth of spirit towards others!
Linda Wilson
July 7, 2011
I had the privilege of working in the headquarters building of Minneapolis Public Schools when John B. came back to serve as interim super. He was one of those rare people who raise the intelligence level of the people around him. A wonderful boss and a truly kind human being. My thoughts are with his dear family and friends.
Dirk Verheyen
July 7, 2011
Dr. Davis was quite simply a terrific person. He assumed the presidency at Macalester College when I arrived as a foreign student from Holland. We met and chatted often, and also kept up contact well beyond my graduation in 1978. It became clear quickly that he would leave a significant legacy at the College. I will always remember him as a wonderful human being and a first-rate educational and academic professional.
George K. Brushaber
July 6, 2011
John Davis was the "classic" model college president, right from Central Casting...... only he had all the right "stuff," the "real goods" to the job. We who also were presidents of other MN colleges greatly admired and respected John. We found him a delight and a trusted friend. I extend my sympathy to his family and wish to be added to the long list who will want to honor this gifted and wise and good man.
George K. Brushaber, president emeritus, Bethel University
Mark Dickinson
July 6, 2011
Bow tie, delightful smile, overflowing enthusiasm and he still knew so many staff member's names - it was always great to see John visiting on campus!
John Hanschen
July 6, 2011
As a student at both Minneapolis Public Schools and Macalester College, I witnessed Mr. Davis' incomparable leadership at both institutions. He spoke at my high school graduation forty years ago. I no longer remember the words, but the spirit he communicated has lasted a lifetime.
Kimberly Roden
July 6, 2011
My brother Bob Roden and I would like to send our condolences to the entire Davis family. My brother lived on the same block as the Davis Family home in his formative years and both of us are Minneapolis Public School graduates. We remember Dr. Davis as a civic leader and fine husband and father. I have been thinking today of my many fun days with his daughter "Becky" when we were in school together. Minneapolis has lost a legend. With my sympathies, Kim Roden
Mom ( Kathy ) Becht
July 6, 2011
Link,many times your Dad and I visited as he walked by the house to go to Lake Of The Isles. Your Dad was a was a very gracious, kind, thoughtful man. I also enjoyed the stories Doug would come home with after your Dad took both you boys camping. I certainly will keep him in my prayers. Love to you and your siblings.
Arlin Buyert
July 6, 2011
I extend my sympathy to the family. He did such wonderful things for Macalester!
Anthony and Cheryl Caponi
July 6, 2011
Tony and I are saddened by the news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Jennifer Neary
July 6, 2011
I was a student at Macalester in the early 80's. I will never forget JBD's style or his cheerful "Good Morning!" to each and every student he encountered on campus. He will be missed. My sympathies to his family.
Richard Cornwell
July 6, 2011
John Davis was a bright, energetic, thoughtful superintendent with great leadership skills. I was so proud to be in the Mpls. public school
system when he was in charge. My sincere condolences to his family.
Dick Cornwell, elementary tch & principal, 1/50-6/79.
Jill Crotts
July 6, 2011
Becca and family, Thinking of you in your time of loss. I have enjoyed the stories of your family and father . John sounds like a wonderful person. Jill C.
July 6, 2011
Dear Joy and Family--I am so sorry that you have lost John. I will remember wonderful, gentle man that he was and the pleasure of his company when I have been a guest in your home. MaryAnn Buck
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