John “Jack” Richard Davis, of Blacklick, died due to complications of multiple sclerosis on March 24, 2020. He was born October 2, 1946, in Columbus to the late Newton and Mary Davis. Jack was a graduate of the Bexley High School class of ‘65, memorialized in Bob Greene’s book Be True to Your School. He graduated from Franklin University with a business degree. He was the scheduler for the 1970 Ohio gubernatorial campaign of Jack Gilligan, where he met Vivian Witkind, his life-long love and companion. Jack worked in the Gilligan administration in the Personnel Department and Public Works. After a brief stint at the Miller-Davis Electric Company, where only the cat was named Miller, he joined the John W. Galbreath Company as a commercial real estate developer. He participated in the creation of buildings in Columbus, Indianapolis, Houston and Denver; he then headed the Galbreath office in West Palm Beach, FL. The Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Columbus was one of his projects. Later, Jack and Patti Shorr formed Spectrum Capital, a commercial real estate financing business in Columbus. Jack’s youthful passion was sailing. He competed in many races on Lake Erie. As an older man, he took up croquet. He became a superb chef, excelling in complicated recipes from Julia Child, as well as family favorites like matzah brei, which he made every Sunday for brunch. Jack built a wine cellar particularly strong in Bordeaux and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. He and Vivian developed a taste for the latter on their honeymoon in Provence in 1972, the first of many trips together. Jack was a member of the International Wine and Food Society’s Columbus chapter. He loved travel, journeying to Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, Antarctica and Africa, even when wheelchair-bound. Jack devoured history books. When he could no longer read because of advancing MS, he listened on his iPad to what would have been very fat tomes indeed. And always he was deeply invested in U.S. politics as a route to greater social justice. Jack had a laugh that made everyone around him happy. His singing voice did not. He teased his family with a loud, off-key version of “Happy Birthday” and a big grin. Jack was generous, kind, and loving. Jack dealt with MS for 24 years. The only time he complained that any of us can remember was sharing with his son Josh the wish that he could still drive himself. It represented freedom and was an activity he enjoyed. He always dreamt of spending time behind the wheel of the latest car. Jack was a fighter who finally had to accept the knockout blow, though not without, as he might say, taking the SoB all the way to the mat. He passed at peace, in his own home, with family near. Besides Vivian, Jack is survived by their son Joshua Witkind Davis (Lorraine van Dommelen) of Upper Arlington; daughters Babette Witkind Koenig (Gideon) of Phoenix, and Charlotte Mary Witkind Davis of Brooklyn; grandson Vincent George Witkind Davis; sister Donna Paxton; brother Thomas Davis; brothers and sisters-in-law Robert and Linda Gorman, Donald and Lisal Gorman; sister-in-law Babette Gorman (partner Jack Buckingham); four nieces and one nephew; and many great nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to Jack’s health aides for their loving assistance, starting with the inimitable Steve Buck. Thanks to Rachael Ertel, Ron Holtz and Teresa Williams. And much gratitude to Kobacker House, which provided hands-on comfort in Jack’s last days. Jack wanted his memory celebrated with a party with fine wine and delicious food. Because his death occurred when group gatherings are discouraged due to the coronavirus, the family will schedule the party later. Donations may be made in Jack’s memory to the Jack Davis Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Gifts can be made online at https://www.osu.edu/giving/how-to-give/ways-to-give.html. Search for the Jack Davis Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund. Or checks payable to the OSU Foundation and naming the fund may be mailed to 1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221 or 660 Ackerman Road, P.O. 183112, Columbus, OH 43218-3112. Alternatively, memorial gifts may be made to the YMCA of Central Ohio, 40 W. Long St., Columbus, OH 43215.
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