Jack Davison with his wife Diana in the 1957 yearbook, with Diana in later years, and (far right) traveling in Yugoslavia
art, music, and religion. He would be well versed in the political and religious currents that shaped the country and how those forces were playing out in the present day. What Jack liked best was walking the streets of a city new to him. He would stroll the boulevards, but his real passion was the small side streets well off the beaten track. He enjoyed encountering people, getting a sense of personalities, colors, smells, and noises. These fueled him, and you sensed that he gained energy in places where others would fade. When Scotty and I talked to him about an upcoming trip to Cuba we were taking with our wives, Jack’s guidance was better than a Frommer’s guidebook, including, “Don’t eat the sausages at the ballparks!” At a Groton reunion 11 years ago, a former student who had hated football and had not felt good about his teenage self, said to Jack: “You were the only faculty member who gave me hope that I could accomplish things. I want to thank you.” That was Jack’s gift to so many of us—hope that we could accomplish things. And that is why we are gathered with grateful hearts for Jack’s life.
in memoriam
“Run 3:45.” It was the right time, but we had no such play. After Jack quickly denied my story, “Diana, he’s making up stories about me,” laughter took over his face, a laughter that lives with me to this day. Other marks Jack left with us were his insatiable curiosity and his love of exploring the new and different. Jim Waugh GP ’89, his best friend on the Groton faculty, wrote to Diana: “I feel very lucky and privileged to have him as a friend: Groton was never the same after you guys left. The Friday night fights and the Sunday football games lost their luster. More importantly, a touch of class left with you. After football practice, Jack would drive to Boston and take in the ballet; I’d walk home and listen to Fats Domino. Jack’s wide range of interests was extraordinary. Very few people in their 70s would take a run at William Faulkner. When you two showed up here, it always amazed us at how many topics of conversation Jack instigated. You may be interested to hear that some years ago, you were voted #1 on the list of guests we would like to have visit.” I would vote Jack #1 world traveler. He loved traveling. Is there any country he had not visited? I always looked forward to hearing his excitement and sense of adventure as he talked about his trips. Before departing, he would study the history of a country as well as its
Jack Davison taught at Groton from 1952 to 1957. William Polk delivered this eulogy on June 1, 2013.
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