CAPT John B. "Jack" Davis, USN (Ret.) Golden Eagle Emeritus
Dear Golden Eagles,
It is my sad duty to inform you that Captain John B. “Jack” Davis, USN (Ret.) made his last take off on 8 January 2017.
Jack was born on 18 June 1929, the second son of Pitt and Bonnie Davis. He was raised in Hermosa Beach, California, and had many happy memories of living near the beach. He moved to Selma, Alabama, at the invitation of his aunt and uncle. After time at the University of Alabama, he went to Marion Military Institute and while there, received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.
Jack entered the Naval Academy in 1949 and graduated with the class of 1953. He was a member of the "coxless four crew" that represented the United States in the 1952 Olympics. In his last year at the Academy, Jack helped coach rowing. Immediately after graduation, Jack and Jane were married in the Naval Academy Chapel.
He took his flight training in Pensacola and Kingsville, and in January 1955 he joined VF/VA-93 flying F-9Fs and the A-4. From May 1958 through mid-1960, Jack was Aide and Flag Lieutenant, first to COMFAIRHAWAII, Admiral Hickey, and then CINCPACFLT, Admiral Ramsey.
In July 1960 he began a three-year tour in VA-126 at NAS Miramar, as a flight instructor in the F9F-8T. From July through November 1963, Jack transitioned to the A-4 in VA-43 and was assigned to VA-72, through January 1966, as Administration and later Operations Officer. During his Vietnam tour, Jack flew 101 missions, and on one mission he led a division (four A-4s and one A-6) which was credited with destroying a mobile SAM site north of Hanoi.
From February 1966 through July 1968, Jack was on the COMOPTEVFOR Staff at Norfolk, Virginia, and he flew several variants of the A-4 with VX-5. He transitioned to the A-6 in VA-42 at Oceana and was assigned to VA-176 from October 1968 through June 1970, first as Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer.
Jack attended the Naval War College and in June 1971 was assigned to the USS Constellation (CV-64) as Navigator. In November 1973, Jack transferred to COMNAVAIRPAC as Chief of Staff, Training. In August 1974 he was assigned as the Commanding Officer, VRC-50 at NAS Cubi Point, Philippines, flying the C-2A and CT-39.
He returned to COMNAVAIRPAC, and from September 1976 through June 1979 Jack worked in Training, Operations, and Plans. He was assigned to NATO in Brussels from July 1979 through June 1982 as Chief of the Situation Center. His last duty was in COMNAVAIRPAC, where he retired on 30 June 1983.
After he retired from the Navy, Jack’s life continued to be characterized by service and love of family. Jack went to work at Computer Services Corporation. After ten years, he was asked to join the staff of the “Tailhook Association,” and was part of a team that successfully rejuvenated the organization. He was an active member of the Optimist Club of Coronado, working on the Sports Fiesta and tutoring elementary school children in math and science. He and Jane were also involved with staging the Coronado Flower show. This was a time when travel was a big part of their life. They looked forward to their annual trips to Hawaii as well as meeting friends at various locales around the world. Jack also became the local “Orchid Whisperer,” saving many a plant thought lost for good. He was an avid cook, entertainer, San Diego Charger fan, friend, father, and grandfather.
Jack is survived by his wife Jane, his sister Bobbye of Denver, Colorado, daughter Kay Linden and her husband David, daughter Caroline Beard and her husband Steve, son J.B., and grandchildren Jeff Linden, Tricia Linden, Maggie Beard and David Beard.
The family is planning a celebration of life that will take place in Coronado. They have not yet set a date.
He will be missed.
In sadness,
Howard DeCastro
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