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BORN
1924
DIED
2016
Jack Davis Obituary
In 1952, Davis was one of the founding artists of Mad Magazine. He also worked as an artist for Panic and Cracked magazines. His characters are known for their distorted anatomy such as bigger heads and feet.
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Before he started working with Mad Magazine, he was an artist for the classic EC comics, the horror and sci-fi comic publisher. His work was featured in issues of “Tales from the Crypt.”
He later illustrated record jackets, movie posters, and book covers. He also did character designs for many Rankin-Bass cartoons including The Jackson Five TV cartoon series.
He received the National Cartoonists Society’s Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996 and received their Reuben Award in 2000. In 2003, he was inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame. In June 2002, Davis had a retrospective exhibition of his work at the Society of Illustrators in New York.
43 Entries
August 5, 2016
So sorry for your loss. May Almighty God grant you peace as you cope with your loss. Jer.29:11
CARLA SEPULVEDA
August 4, 2016
He will be missed.
Sam Yates
August 3, 2016
How sad it is for me to learn just now that this wonderful, talented man lived here. And I've been in this area 8 years now. Had I known, I would have let Mr. Davis know what an appreciation I had for his gifts.
I can't begin to remember all the TV Guide covers containing his work I held in my hands. May God provide abundant comfort to Mr. Davis' family.
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August 3, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to the Davis family. I enjoyed Mad. I couldn't wait to get off from school and seek solitude in my room. Mad was funny and the overall pics were amazing. Thanks Mr. Davis! You will be missed.
Rhonda, MD
August 1, 2016
May you draw close to God for comfort (1 Peter 5 : 7 ). My condolences on your loss.
John Thomas
August 1, 2016
Family and Friends of Jack,
I read and had a subscription to Mad in its early comic book form during my grade school years in Pittsburgh, and very much enjoyed Jack's drawing of characters. He, Bill Elder, and Wallace Wood, as I recall (I'm now 74), were the three mainstay artists in Mad back then, and I and my friends often marvelled at their capacities of illustration often of other well-known comic book characters. In my adult years as a professor in Georgia, I once saw an illustration that had Jack's recognizable signature and I phoned the number on the publication -- and lo! Jack himself answered and identified himself to me. I gushed my admiration of his work with Mad that I avidly read each month in my early youth. It was one of my life's thrills -- minor, yes, but still a thrill. You all should be aware already of what pleasure his life's work gave to Mad's readers like me. Thanks for a dedicated artist, a cultural treasure for me and likely thousands of others.
David Benford
August 1, 2016
I was saddened to hear of his passing. I am an old friend of Katie's from UGA days. I have always cherished my UGA memorabilia with Jack Davis artwork. Best wishes to the entire Davis family.
Jim Massey
July 31, 2016
Dear Family:
Jack was a wonderful part of the UGA scene. His posters ,cartoons and other illustrations were an inspiration to GA people through out the year. Also those of us who grew up in the 60's, we enjoyed his input in Mad Magazine. His work made us laugh and forget about our day to day tribulations. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days!
D Evans
July 31, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bill Collins
July 30, 2016
Mr. Davis was unmistakeably the consummate characticturist! I have "The First Family" album for which he did the cover art! Absolutely genius! Every time I saw a Jack Davis drawing, it made me laugh as he always had "hidden" figures apart from the main drawing. He was a gifted artist. If Norman Rockwell was "America's Illustrator", Jack Davis was "America's Zany Illustrator!"
I'm sorry he's gone, but he left a legacy of wonderful and
humorous art! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Todd Davis
July 30, 2016
ALDNR Family,
July 30, 2016
Dear Davis Family,
I am so very sorry for the lost of your beloved one,
May you find much solace and strength in the promises found in John 5:28 which states "Do not be amazed at this for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear the voice of Jesus Christ and come out".
Jeff Jones
July 30, 2016
Thank you sir for all the joy you have given so many of us.
John and Brenda
July 29, 2016
We are quite saddened to hear of Jack's death. His many contributions will be cherished for decades to come. Our desire is that the peace of God embraces the Davis family as you recapture the precious moments you shared with Jack. Heartfelt condolences!
Buster Brown
July 29, 2016
Without Mad Magazine, I might of became a normal,serious, contributor to society. Thanks to Jack Davis and Al Jaffee and the usual gang of idiots, I am a happily warped,free thinking,blithering outcast, with nothing to offer to the human race. Thanks Jack! RIP.Bb
Harry Simpson
July 29, 2016
Godspeed and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Fair winds and following seas sailor.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Ashley Uhlhorn Fricano
July 29, 2016
Sending thoughts and prayers to all the Davis family, and especially Jack III, who I have fond memories of talking to about your Dad and his huge talent. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jimmy Carothers
July 28, 2016
Mr.Davis was a huge part of our lives growing up in the 60's and 70's reading his colorful ink drawings. Many of bland rainy Sunday afternoons were electrified with Mr. Davis's direct humor. Way before Gizmo's and Gadgets became our invisible friends, Mr. Davis was there to help open our minds in a creative way that the teachers of that era just weren't able to tap into. Thank You Jack Davis, you were greatly appreciated !
Erica McCarthy
July 28, 2016
Love You Babe!
Garcia
July 28, 2016
Rest in Peace.
Chris Burns
July 28, 2016
The extraordinary talent of Jack Davis is something that rarely comes along, yet we are fortunate to have his massive body of work to enjoy for the ages. Sincere condolences to the family. I too, thought he was very special, and treasure my signed copy of his book.
Sarah
July 28, 2016
My condolences are with the Davis family,and the God of comfort will strengthen you during your time of grief.
Sandra Morris
July 28, 2016
So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I'll always cherish that I was blessed to know him. He was the most loving and humble man I have ever met. He will greatly be missed by all who knew him. Much love to you Dena and family. Sandra Morris
Lee
July 28, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of the death of Jack. May the God of all comfort be with you during this time of sorry.
Eve and M.L. Robinson
July 28, 2016
Sorry for your your loss. We have fond memories of Jack.
July 28, 2016
Juan .5.28.29.y esta promesa se cumplira sin falta y muy pronto
July 28, 2016
The world has lost a great man. I am proud to have been a friend, he was so much to many. I will miss you my friend. Love to all the family.
Jackson Cheatham, Thomson, Georgia
July 28, 2016
may family and friends keep the fond memories and good times close in their hearts and minds.b god love and care for you.
Adrian Barnette
July 28, 2016
We'll miss you !
Margy Jones Wagner
July 28, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Jack Davis's family. He was a very sweet man and I am honored to have one of his drawings that was done of me. I will miss his draws very much.
Pamela Watson
July 28, 2016
What a gracious man, what a glorious Dawg, and what a delight to know him. The stroke of his brush cut a wide path in all our lives. God is truly blessed with Jack's presence. May the peace of the Lord be always with his Family and the Bulldog Nation.
Mike Grinley
July 28, 2016
Jack Davis one of my all time favorites. Stll highliighted in my "Cut" files......Thanks for the inspiration and memories.
Terry G
July 27, 2016
Laughter, the best medicine, what me worry? Thanks for making the world a happier place!
Wayne Newman
July 27, 2016
Thanks Jack for making the childhood of so many baby boomers a little better. Even to this day when things go a little eskew I find myself saying, "Whay? Me worry?" Rest in peace my friend.
Lauren Gibson
July 27, 2016
My condolences to the Davis family for your recent loss. May you keep in mind Gods words found in Matthew 11:28 " Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you."
July 27, 2016
We are thinking about you. Sorry for your loss.
Diane and Johnny HIles
Buck Buchanan
July 27, 2016
Dena and family...Kate and I are saddened to hear that Jack has passed. He and you have been so gracious to us over the years...a kinder, sweeter, man NEVER existed. Love to you all...Buck and Kate Buchanan
Braman
July 27, 2016
One my favorite comic magazines. You did a fine job. May you rest in peace. JSB
E. Kurtzman
July 27, 2016
So very sad to hear this. What an incredibly nice man with enormous talent.
Jenkins
July 27, 2016
I extend my sincere condolences to the Davis family in your time of grief. As you think back on your special memories of Jack they will help you and, always know that the God of tender mercies remembers him and will empower you with the strength needed to cope.
Scott Chamberland
July 27, 2016
Rest in Peace
July 27, 2016
Thank you for sharing your special talent with us.
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