Mr. Jack Richard Davis

March 3, 1938 — January 18, 2024

Jack Richard Davis, 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Dallas, Texas, with his wife Janis Davis at his side on January 18, 2024. Jack was born in Dallas, Texas on March 3, 1938 to his parents John and Eileen Davis. Jack was also big brother to younger sister Carole. Raised in Dallas, Jack graduated from Sunset High School in 1956. He later attended SMU where he majored in Civil Engineering, graduating with a BS degree in 1960.

Following graduation, Jack served his 2 year military obligation in the Public Health Service in Atlanta, Georgia before returning to Dallas.

Jack had a long career as a civil engineer and became a partner in the Dallas firm Brockette, Davis, & Drake, Inc. where he enjoyed great success and the respect of his employees and clients. Contractors knew when they bid a job using a grading plan with Jack’s seal on it the numbers would work — regarded by many as the best plans in Dallas. High praise for a civil engineer.

Jack loved hunting, fishing, gardening , and good food (he famously told Janis after they married, “We may not have much but we are gonna eat good!”). A real outdoorsman, Jack spent many years traveling throughout North America and Africa on hunts and fishing trips with friends and family. Jack finally found membership with the Dallas Woods and Waters conservation club. He was active for many years, eventually serving as Club President. He was particularly involved in the club’s fundraising galas. Jack and Janis also enjoyed their beautiful ranch in Lampasas County for many years where he continued his love of the outdoors.

Jack never met a stranger. He was constantly meeting and visiting with folks everywhere he went. He especially enjoyed the salt of the earth “working man”. To say he was an extrovert is an understatement!

Jack married the love of his life, Janis Hoffman, in 1960 — a fantastic marriage that lasted 64 wonderful years, producing son John A Davis, and daughter Jennifer G Davis. Jack is preceded in death by his father John Hicks Davis (his best friend and fellow engineer) and his wonderful mother Eileen Mildred Davis. He is also preceded by son Jay Clifford Davis who died in infancy.

A service for Jack R. Davis will be held at 11:00am (visitation at 10:30am), Monday, January 29th at Spring Valley United Methodist Church in Dallas with family receiving friends at a reception immediately following at the church. A brief graveside service will then be held at 2:00pm at Laurel Land Funeral Home at 6300 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas.