Timothy Davis, age 59, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2015. He was born on July 24, 1955 in Chicago, the son of E. James & La Vergne (Davidson) Davis. He was a loving son, a devoted husband, a supportive friend, and an amazing dad. An inspiring teacher. An expressive writer. An explorer of bike trails, devourer of books, obsessor of basketball. A gifted photographer. A believer in community. A storyteller, with the most wonderfully weird sense of humor. He was a great human. Tim is survived by his wife, Chris (Lueck) Davis; his daughters, Melanie Davis Chapman and Sarah Davis; his parents; his brothers, Jay Davis, Craig Davis, and Nick Davis; his in-laws, outlaws, nieces and nephews; his former students and colleagues; and his many friends. They all really miss him. He was preceded in death by a brother Theodore. A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2015 from 12:00 Noon - 4:00 P.M. in the Laird Funeral Home, Elgin. Memorial services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2015 at 9:30 A.M. in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 39W830 Highland Ave., Elgin 60124. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. For information 847-741-8800 or www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com.

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Published by Daily Herald from Jun. 23 to Jun. 24, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for TIMOTHY DAVIS

Sponsored by Daily Herald.

22 Entries

Niki Kulik

September 27, 2020

I know it has been years since Mr. Davis death. I just want to reach out and say he was one of my favorite teachers. He was was my 5th grade teacher.... he taught me all the capitals and gave us fireball candy when we answered everything right. He was kind and someone I will never forget. Sorry it took me so long to write anything. I am greatfull I had him in my upbringing. He made a difference in my life. ❤ He was a great Man. I will always love Mr Davis.❤

Nick Geary

March 25, 2017

I was trying to find you online this evening to reach out and let you know the impact you've had on my life. I'm a teacher now, a coach, and when my students ask me why I bacame a teacher, I tell them about a certain knucklehead teacher of mine, Mr. Davis. You're in my classroom everyday and I want to thank you for showing all of us what it meant to care for others and what it meant to give all of oneself. I'll never forget you.
-Lords Park, 5th grade, '89-'90

Linda Peddie-Lane

August 9, 2015

I just found out about the passing of Mr. Davis. I am simply saddened by the news. He was my sixth grade teacher at Lords Park elementary and was an inspiration and made the class laugh every day. Occasionally I would run into him at various school functions and he never forgot my name. My heart goes out to the family, sending prayers your way.

Frieda Anderson

July 16, 2015

We are all saddened by your loss and the loss of such a nice man.

June 29, 2015

Mrs. Davis we are so sorry for your loss. You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. Kim, Megan & Isabella Casale - Sycamore Trails

Linda Porter

June 25, 2015

I first met Tim at the UU Church of Elgin. In a few minutes, he had discovered all the things we had in common - and he did it quietly, gently. I respected him in so many ways - but above all it was his quiet dignity with more than a touch of humor, that set him apart. I will miss knowing you are in the world, Tim. You were so special - you still are.

Dave Weber

June 25, 2015

Tim was my friend for nearly 50 years, we met in Boy Scouts and really got close working at Hastings YMCA Camp together. He was always bright and thoughtful and always cheerful with a great laugh and a big smile. In high school we used to go to Record City and shop for record albums, he always loved music. He was a tough competitor, I don't think that I beat him often at racquetball or other sports that we played, be we had fun battling it out. I still can't believe he's gone, I wish it weren't true. I'll sure miss him.

Ron & Pat Hart

June 25, 2015

Tim was that guy. Back in the late 60s and early '70s as junior high became high school, it was uncool to be a nerd. Fortunately for me our mutual friend Ken introduced us, and we were all total nerds listening to and opining about music, and doing the same with or actually playing in sporting events. We weren't jocks, just playing for the fun of it without parental units or pressure.

Tim was that guy who was so approachable. He ALWAYS had a little grin (unless he was outright laughing). There was no arrogance about Tim, just an openness and willingness to interact. Looking back, I can see how he became an educator. Teachers always amaze me because I would not have the patience and certainly not the ability nor intelligence. But Tim was that guy.

Tim was that guy who tried new things and was earthy about it. When other guys I know were getting their midlife crisis and buying Harleys, Tim was riding his bicycle all over God's green earth. His hair was always so thick and gnarley, he probably didn't need to wear a helmet. I coveted a head of hair like Tim's since mine started to disappear when I was 19.

Tim was that guy with his lovely Chris who Pat and I got to see about once a year around Christmas. A few years passed without our get-togethers until this past December. We can't thank Ken and Caryl enough for making that very fun evening happen.

Tim IS that guy who is sorely missed and will never be forgotten.

Chris Bailey

June 24, 2015

Tim was a great professional friend despite the fact that many believed we should be at odds as a teacher/union leader and a journalist in a school district and city with some big issues. We did disagree in some philosophical areas, but not in the ones that truly mattered, at least to me -- seeing the future in young people, believing that vigorous and polite debate was the way to real solutions and that loving what you do is essential to both success and happiness. We agreed in other areas, too, including the importance of basketball and outdoor activities in our lives. He was a proud dad who gave as much to other people's children as he did his own. He was a friend, a sounding board and a favorite teacher of my son, who found the lessons Tim imparted about learning and life gave him a leg up when he left home to start life on his own. As a legacy, I can't think of any more powerful than that. I'll miss running into him on the Saturday night before Christmas at Woodfield Mall, which happened with a good deal of frequency over the years. But if a man isn't forgotten until the last person who knew him is gone, it will be a long time before Tim is forgotten in our family, and probably many others.

Angie (Rapach) Barnes

June 24, 2015

Mr. Davis was my 2nd grade teacher ('81-82). As an educator, he had a large impact on my life. I am grateful to have run into him over the years. He ALWAYS remembered me, the friendships he watched develop, and memories that were unique to my fellow Lord's Park 2nd graders .

May God bless and keep his family during this time of great sorrow.

Kristy Shanahan

June 24, 2015

So sorry for the loss of this good person. A terrible loss for all.

June 24, 2015

Tim, We will so miss the simple act of seeing you across the street and exchanging greetings with you. God's blessings to your family. Rosy and Ted

Tom F. Green

June 24, 2015

Tim Davis was a true gentleman and scholar. He was the best life has to offer. It is indeed very sad that he left at such a young age. He will definitely be missed by many. I send his family my deepest sympathy.

Lisa Jensen

June 24, 2015

I'm very sorry to hear of Tim's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Tim at U-46. We were both runners and I always enjoyed comparing stories. He was a great professional who was very passionate about his work, his students and the teachers he supported as union president. Rest in peace Tim and may your family find solace in all of the great memories.

Dave Palewski

June 23, 2015

I will never be able to thank Tim enough for all he did in helping me become the teacher that I am today. His kindness, caring, compassion, and intelligence were all qualities that he shared as a mentor and a friend. My deepest condolences to the family during this very difficult time.

June 23, 2015

Sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort help you doing this difficult time. Psalms 83 : 18. He will soon rid mankind of the suffering by means of his kingdom. Matthew 6 : 9,10.

Leslie Sawyer

June 23, 2015

In memory of Tim Davis, a generous man and passionate leader, who inspired many to make a difference in the world. He will be greatly missed.

June 23, 2015

To the friends and family of Tim, our deepest sympathy and can only hope that time will heal the pain you are going through at this time.
Ken Bertolini & Noreen Speller

June 23, 2015

Tim and I met at TURN while both of us were local presidents of teachers' unions. We continued our friendship through TURN work after retiring from teaching. I will miss his friendship as well as his thoughtful demeanor. My heart goes out to his family. Rick Baumgartner, Coordinator, MASE TURN

June 23, 2015

I knew Tim as a fellow teacher, as a leader of the teachers' union, as a church leader and as a friend. He always lent a happy smile and a willing hand to the project at hand. He made a difference in countless lives - the special education students mainstreamed into his classroom, each one of whom he treated with respect and caring - the teachers he bargained for with both grace and tenacity, the church community he lifted up with his photography to remind us of the family we are together.
Most of all I will remember he was a friend whose words of kindness and wisdom lifted me when I lost my husband.

To his family, I only hope that your hearts, while steeped in sorrow, can be lifted by the love and caring of those who will hold you even closer and more dear in the time to come. This journey is not easy, but you are not alone. We will walk with you.

June 23, 2015

To the Davis family, During times like this there are never the right words to say, nothing we say will ease your pain or make our lose any easier. We are neighbors and will be here for you. The Ley family

Elise Wall

June 23, 2015

Gone too soon, friend. You are missed. Sending love to the family.

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