S. John Davis

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S. Davis Obituary

On the morning of Sunday, November 22, 2009, Dr. S. John (Jack) Davis passed away in Roanoke, Va., after a long illness. Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jan; and their four children, Lisa, Kara, John and Megan, their spouses; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, father, educator and friend. Dr. Davis was awarded a B.S. Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Masters Degree from George Washington University and a Doctoral Degree from The American University. In addition, he held an honorary LLD from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Davis devoted all of his professional life to the children of the State of Virginia. He served as a teacher and administrator in the Arlington County Public Schools and as Director at the Flint Hill School in Oakton, Va. In the Fairfax County Public Schools he served as principal at Fort Hunt and West Springfield High Schools, Area Two Superintendent, and Division Superintendent of Schools. In 1979, Dr. Davis was appointed to the position of State Superintendent of Public Instruction by Governor John N. Dalton and reappointed to the same position by Governors Charles S. Robb and Gerald Baliles, serving until his retirement in 1990. During his tenure as State Superintendent, Dr. Davis served as a member of the Southern Regional Education Board, a trustee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Virginia State Council of Higher Education, and the Commissioner of the Education Commission of the States. In addition, after his retirement he served as an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech, a Visiting Professor at George Mason University, and as the principle partner in the firm of S. John Davis and Associates, Ltd. Jack loved people, and he would smile if you would remember him in a way that would be special to you. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home in Salem, Va.

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Published by Roanoke Times on Dec. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for S. Davis

9 Entries

Eddy Nalls

December 17, 2009

Dear Kara,
If you read this I just heard about your dad. I am so sorry. I've tried to figure out another way to contact you but don't have your number. Although I never met your dad but I still remember the doll house he made for you and you kept in your office at school. Eddy Nalls (Springfield, Va)

Mary Wallace

December 17, 2009

Our three sons would wake up on snowy days in the 70's at Chantilly High School to hear that Dr. Davis had deemed the day a "snow day." They all emailed me concerning his death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family

Sheryl Horner

December 16, 2009

I was a student at West Springfield the year Mr. Davis open the school, graduating in 1969, as my brother did in 1968. Mr. Davis was one of the warmest, kind, man that always took time to listen, and always let you know he cared. He gave such sound advice on sitting your goals, and not letting others get in your way. Mr. Davis touch many lifes, and changed many for the good.
My husband and I raised our four children in Fairfax County, and now our grandchild are attending Fairfax County school's also. I just hope they will cross path's with someone who will touch their lives as I did.

December 9, 2009

Jan and Jack Davis added to my family's life and memories for many years. He was a neighbor, a fellow educator and the father of one of his girls who was a vital part of watching our children mature. The loss will affect many people but his family will have the strength to depend on each other as they move forward in life. My sympathy and love are sent with prayers for God's blessing to the family.
Donna Braxdale

Karen Harrison

December 8, 2009

Mr. Davis was the father of one of the best friends I have ever had, Lisa Davis Kihm. I think that our childhood pranks growing up kept he and his wife on their toes and probably a little stressed at times.
He was a very loving father and husband and I know that he will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with all the family. It is always hard to loose someone so special but your wonderful memories will keep him close to your heart.
Love to all!
Karen Braxdale Harrison

December 8, 2009

"Our principal [Mr. George Gibbs]was the only h.s. administrator in the U.S. asked by the State Dept. to represent the American public school system in S. Vietnam.... During Mr. Gibbs absence, Mr. Davis easily and efficiently accepted the duties of principal, continuing the pattern of progress." - 1966 FHHS Yearbook
My condolences to his family and friends.
Charles Bryant Edwards, class of '68

Wes Chappel

December 7, 2009

Due to my rebellious nature as a teenager, I spent one period a day with Mr. Davis my junior year at Fort Hunt HS (1964). Thanks to his belief in me and his encouragement, I managed to get myself together, get into a major university, finish college, actually teach high school for 5 years, marry a wonderful gal (even though she went to Mt. Vernon), and raise two wonderful daughters. He has been and always will be a major influence on my life.

December 7, 2009

My condolences to Mr. Davis' family.

David Grundman class of '66 - Fort Hunt High School.

Sharon Esposito

December 7, 2009

I was a student at Fort Hunt High School graduating in 1966. I remember Jack Davis with great warmth and respect for his intellect, his integrity and his sense of humor. I am a physician now and remember talking to him about "being a girl" and still wanting to accomplish goals that other people seemed to think were primarily "for boys". He reminded me that each of us has to listen "to our own calling" and no matter what anybody else thought to remember that each of us alone is responsible for our lives and what one does. He said "don't wait around for your life to be voted on by everybody you know."
I've thought of him often over the years and always been grateful for his presence in my life.

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