James Chowning Davies

Jim Davies was an extraordinary thinker, teacher and mentor. I will never forget how he helped me to land a Danforth fellowship to see me, a single mom, through to my PhD. It was a delight to be his teaching assistant and advisee. What a great person. I am now, myself, a retired university professor of political science; in no small measure a career I might never have achieved had it not been for Jim. We were so fortunate to have him amongst us.

You are still missed, Jim. Thank you for your wonderful teaching and mentoring.

Chris Hedges, the eminent journalist and author, wrote an article published in Truthdig in the last couple of years which prominently featured Dr. Davies' j-curve theory of revolution. Thus, Dr. Davies continues to influence political thought in our country. I learned a lot in the three political science classes I took from him in the early seventies, and his teaching influenced the course of my life in law and politics.

Nancy Langworthy
Class of '73

Sitting in on a Project Meeting today and the "J Curve" was mentioned, which made me immediately remember the one and only professor at the Univ. of Oregon I remembered. What a great teacher! I REALLY learned from him. So sorry to hear of his loss, almost one year ago today. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Dr. Davies' intellect has had a profound effect on how I view the world of political unrest. The J-curve of rising expectations still is the pre-eminent theory of revolution, explaining why middle class folks revolt against an oppressive government, and not the downtrodden.

Great colleague and friend. And he was WAY ahead of his time with respect to biology and the social sciences. You were right, Jim!

An inspiration to his students, and a caring mentor. His influence lives on.

A KIND AND SWEET MAN; I'M SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS DEATH.

The best mentor a student ever had. You helped me realize my dreams. Roshi