I knew Jack when I worked as a bicycle mechanic at Bumsteads Sporting Goods from 1973-1978.  Jack bought several frame tubing kits and had a keen interest in bikes.  He would frequently come in with his two sons.  Jack and I became friends and he built me a frame for a bike I raced as a licensed competitor in the Inland Empire area.  Jack also built 26" wide tire racing bikes that his sons, (Danny comes to mind) raced at BMX tracks.  Although he gets no credit for it, these bikes pre-dated the first "Mountain Bikes" that are purported to have been invented by Joe Breeze in the Bay Area in 1978.  Names like Breeze, Ritchey, Bontrager, and Fisher are associated with the first mountain bikes but I know for a fact Jack was building them years earlier.  He was a very innovative and energetic guy.  He inspired me to go to road races.  He made a lasting impression on me as a guy with many talents and interests.  Obviously a guy with a very active mind, and a natural engineer.  I still have the bike he built me in '74 or '75.  

Hello: I met Jack at Garry Hookers place next to the moving co.I stopped there after work at G.E. to bench race. I will remember Jack

Jack and Gina were a prat of the Gonick family's life for several years. I met Jack because of our common hobby , Model car Building. Jack was a mentor and a friend. I will remember Jack for the stories he recalled and the storied we made together. Gods Speed Jack we will remember you as our friend and OPA

The model car hobby, and the drag racing world lost a good friend. Our condolences to all of Jack Davis' friends and family, he will be missed!
Roy R. Sorenson / Editor
Model Car Builder magazine

Darren and Danny, family of Jack:  I'm sorry to hear about your dad, grandfather and father-in-law and may he rest in peace with your mom. I'm sorry that I didn't attend his funeral. I just found out about it to late. In all the years I knew him, I respected his wisdom, knowledge, enjoyed his company and conversation, and being with him at the shop, his home and the race track. It was always a pride to be seen with him because he always held his head high. A GREAT MAN with sons that he took the time to nurture and raise with your mom to the good things in life. I will always remember his love of " SPOT " and how we helped bring him to recovery of wounds that he suffered. I know he is resting with the Lord and his wife, your mom, with the love they shared together for so many years. Take care, sorry to hear the news. I know he will be missed tremendously!!!

Dear Darren, Mindy, Tonya, Darrianna and DJ,

I'm so sorry for your loss!  You have been part of my life for so many years and because of our friendship, I had the honor and privilege to know Jack (Opa) and spend time with him.  The words to follow come from my heart but also from what I saw and experienced as a family friend.  

Darren...You were a loving and caring son to your father.  The love and care that you gave him over the years and in his final days are testament of that.  Your Dad loved and respected you more than his words could every express...his eyes would always give him away - they would light up with respect and pride whenever you walked into a room! He was so proud of your racing days and real estate career, but mostly, he was proud of you as a man, husband and father.

Mindy...Jack had so much love and respect for you!  He always knew you would take care of whatever needed to be done and you would be there to hold everyone's hands in his final days. You are and were the best daughter-n-law a parent could ever ask for their Son!  He admired your strength and honesty!  He was never afraid to solicit your advice because he knew you would always be straight with him and with a loving heart.  

Tonya, Darrianna and DJ...you were your Opa's and Oma's pride and joy!  Jack loved being around all of you.  In his eyes, you three were perfect in every way!  Again, his eyes and face would light up whenever you were around.  

I wish I could be there tomorrow.  Please know that my heart and prayers are with all you.  May you find comfort and peace in the memories and in knowing that he's gone home to his maker and to the love of his life, Oma!

Thank you Jack for the long talks, laughter and memories!  May you rest in peace!

With love, 

Becci XOXO

I wish to express my sincere sympathy to the Davis family.  May God comfort the family during this difficult time. And may your loving memories sustain you as you endure the days ahead.

Opa, you were such a talented man, from building model cars, racing cars at the drags, building race headers, building bikes, being in the Air Force, and all while always loving your family with all your heart. Looking at everything you have accomplished in your lifetime is inspiring to me. I love looking at all the detail to each model car you built. I love looking at all your pictures through your lifetime and the places you have traveled. I love reading articles written about you. You certainly were an interesting man, but nothing compares to the real thing, You. I love you! The family loves you! I promise we all will make you proud. You were a very strong man, never gave up. You were such a proud husband, dad and grandfather. You have made such a powerful positive impact on the Davis family and we all have learned so much. With your passing I have realized even more how precious family is. I miss you Opa, and your dance moves of course! Dad loves to talk about your dance moves, it makes us all smile. The song papa-oom-mow-mow will always be our song. I can't wait one day to decorate my house with all the Christmas lights you and Oma would always put up! Christmas will forever remind me of your house, with the hutch full of different types of Santas and all your decorations, you loved Christmas :) Now that you are at peace and your soul is to rest you can forever look down and watch over us. For with your love I was so blessed. In my memory you will live on. I will always celebrate your life. I love you, now enjoy your 1st dance all over again with your special lady, Oma! Until we meet again... - Banana

Cherish the memories and rejoice in the reunion he is now having with Oma. Free of pain, and free to live in all your memories. He was truly loved by all of your family.

DAD I LOVE YOU AND MISS ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD AT ALL THE RACES YOU LET AND GO TO AS A KID.GOD BLESS YOU DAD
LOVE DARREN

How bad  that I diden't keep in touch with Jack, I was out to see him a time our two. We had a great time when we were kids, that 49 Chevy fast back that he dearly loved And all the trips to the beach, our car club ( the Rum Runners)
                                                                     Jerry Hull

Memories forever to Darren and the kids as I know Opa was so proud off you all . How precious those last days were .  The special bond you all had in your own special way . Jack was blessed !

OBITUARY

Jack "Opa" Davis

15 March, 1934 – 18 January, 2014

Draper Mortuary

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