Obituaries

John W. Davis, Jr., 77

January 10, 2021

John W. Davis, Jr., 77, of Northfield passed away peacefully on 1/10/2021 in Lancaster, PA surrounded by his family.

John was born in Kingston, PA on Dec. 1, 1943. He graduated high school in Bethlehem, PA. In 1967, he graduated from Franklin & Marshall College where his greatest accomplishment was meeting and marrying his wife, Sharon. John was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and some might say he carried a little bit of “frat boy” with him throughout his life.

A 53 year resident of Southern New Jersey and 47 year resident of Northfield, John spent his career in the fuel industry working at South Jersey Fuel and then McAllister Fuels before retiring at 65 so he could pester his wife.

First and foremost, John was a man of strong character and honor, a consummate gentleman who took pride in serving his country and his community. He joined the Army Reserves where he earned the rank of Sergeant First Class. He graduated 1st in his class from Drill Sergeant School which was the perfect training ground for keeping his four children in line. He served in the Army Reserves for 9 years.

John was a founding member of the Northfield-Linwood Kiwanis Club serving for over 37 years. He ran their annual “Peanut Day” fundraiser which meant that the Davis household was never lacking in peanuts for snacking. In his younger years, John could be seen wearing the Mr. Peanut costume in the local Memorial Day parades tossing peanuts to spectators. Eventually his waistline and the narrow costume no longer agreed with each other.

John was a member of Central United Methodist Church for more than 40 years where he ushered and served on various committees. He enjoyed attending the “early” service and then inviting everyone in attendance to join the ”Breakfast Club” for a group meal at a local diner afterward.

John was a devoted family man. With his kids in mind, he helped start the Northfield soccer program in the 1970s. He spent many years coaching his children in soccer and T-ball which required him to get creative with how to handle the varying personalities and skill levels of his players. Through it all, he always made it fun and made sure each child played their fair share of time and felt celebrated even in their smallest victories.

He served on the Mainland Regional High School Board of Education for more than 6 years so that he could ensure his children had a great education. In this role, John was able to proudly hand each of his children their high school diploma during their graduation ceremony.

In his free time, John liked to hack his way around the golf course. He blamed his bad swing on the broken elbow he suffered when Sharon pulled him down on the skating rink in his 30s. In later years, he joined the church pickleball league.

John will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, the infamous “Army” haircuts his children were subjected to, his skill in tackling any home or car repair, his ability to bring “toilet talk” to any family dinner, his knowledge of obscure crossword puzzle words, tirelessly helping his children’s friends with college and financial aid applications, his willingness to wear costume jewelry and twirl like a ballerina to bring a smile to his grandchildrens’ faces, and the 6 page double-sided humorous letters he’d send to his kids in college with $20 tucked inside.

Above all else, John will be remembered for just being a good man who put others before himself and believed in doing things the right way while having a lot of fun doing it.

John is survived by his wife of 54 wonderful years, Sharon (nee Briggs) of Northfield, NJ, four children John III (Kim McIver), Kevin, Sr. (Kris), Becky (Tim) Guhl, and Mindy (Michael) Go, nine grandchildren Kevin, Jr. (Deborah), Daniel (Emily), Douglas, Jackie, Amanda, Jared, Caroline, Andrew, and Kaylee, and two great grandchildren Zoey and Kevin III as well as his “summer son” Jim (Sue) Turpin and their four daughters, two sisters Ruth (Charlie) Burkhart and Marion Reese. He was preceded in death by his parents, John, Sr and Ruth Davis.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local food bank. Please leave your condolences or favorite memory of John below.

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Condolences to the Family

February 14, 2022

I am a Franklin and Marshall graduate, Class of 1969 and one of John’s Phi Sig brothers.  John was a friend and mentor when I was a Phi Sig pledge and I’ve thought of him often over the years but had no idea what he did after graduation.  I’m not surprised to learn that he had a great life as a “family guy” who was active in his community.  There are several Phi Sigs of that era in Southern California and I’ll sharenews of his passing with them.

February 23, 2021

Dear Sharon,  I am so sorry to hear that your dear husband passed away.  I only met him at one of our class reunions.  Please take care of yourself. You will be in my prayers.  With much love and sympathy.  Linda

February 01, 2021

On behalf of LHS, Class of 1961 Reunion Committee, condolences are extended to the friends and family of our Classmate, John Wharton Davis, Jr.
Susan Jaxheimer Scholl
Head of Reunion Committee

January 19, 2021

Pop Davis was one of the kindest men I’ve ever known.  He immediately made me feel welcome into the family when Jim brought me over to meet “Mom and Pop.”  And when Jim told me the story of how they opened their home and family to Kevins’s friend and gave him a home, shelter, love and support – well that is simply extraordinary!  Pop was such a positive influence on Jim and really anyone he met with his quiet and gentle guidance and of course his quick and razor sharp wit. He will be greatly missed because he was such a great man while he was here.   Much love to all
Sue Turpin

January 18, 2021

Mr. Davis was a wonderful person who made a positive impact on so many. Such a good man who will be missed. We need more like him. From his contributions to MainlandHigh, Northfield, and Central Church, our community was and is a better place. I am thinking of the Davis Family and pray that you have strength and comfort in the days to come.
Robert Patrick

January 17, 2021

I have so many great memories of hanging out at the Davis house when I was a teenager. Mr. Davis was always so warm and welcoming. He will be missed. 
May his memory be a blessing. 
Sara Blumenthal

January 17, 2021

Our memory of John is of a kind, loving, soft-spoken man. It has been such a pleasure spending time and getting to know him and his lovely family over these many years. We remember Mindy talking about how handy he was, such as when he fixed the banister at her house, and how she spoke fondly of her childhood memories of going to the home repair store with him and what a great family man he was. We will forever treasure all the beautiful visits, grandkids’ birthdays and Christmases we spent together. He will be missed.
The Go Family

January 17, 2021

 I met the Davis family when our daughters played softball    John was a great dad and wonderful husband    My daughter loved going to their house    He had a great sense of humor and was  Quick with a smile    I know he can rest in peace as he was so loved and honored by his children and Sharon   

January 17, 2021

So sorry to hear about your Dad.  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane & Bill McBride 

January 16, 2021

 
Your father was such a great friend to both my parents, always there to lend a helping hand to my dad.  Especially when it came to our heater, they shared many laughs over their love of tools.  He often gave my mom a ride if my dad was away to work.  My parents so enjoyed their “Crab Trap” dinners with your parents. More importantly, both your parents love and generosity of spirit was ever present each and every day.  I am hoping our dads are ‘neighbors’ in heaven.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and my mom and I are remembering our times together on Marita Ann Drive.   Aditi and Geeta
Aditi Archer

January 15, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Although I have never met him, I know he must be an amazing man because of his son John & the lovely memorial that was written.  I treasure the time I have spent with John & his wife Kim. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts. 
Cyndi

January 15, 2021

My favorite story about pop.
At a gender reveal party, in a room with our family, pop walks up to grandma with his pink beads in hand and says, “Show me your tits”. 
He was one of the funniest people I knew and love him forever.
Danny Davis

January 15, 2021

Mindy
I am so sorry to hear about you Dad. I was reading his obituary. He was a busy person in town doing sports for kids which I admire 
Love to you and family 
Paul Benker

January 15, 2021

I’m so sorry to read this news!  I will always remember him as a wonderful, kind and very fun person to be around.  The whole Davis clan are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that each day hurts a little less.
Francis Mitchell

January 15, 2021

I have so many great memories of Mr. Davis as a soccer coach and driving us around South Jersey in his VW van!  A wonderful man, person, and wonderful family that he led.  RIP.  
Erik William McElveen-Felton

January 15, 2021

John was one of the smartest people I ever met, and I always enjoyed talking with him at family Christmas parties, birthday parties and even on the Jersey shore 🙂 He will be missed!
 
Bridget Go

January 15, 2021

We are so heartbroken at John’s passing. We will never forget our years as John and Sharon’s next door neighbors and extended family! Our Friday night double pinochle games are some of the most wonderful memories in our lives along with our pizza and beach treks in the VW van with our combined 6 kids. We love you all!
Richard and Maureen Borland

January 15, 2021

What a wonderful memorial – so clearly describing your dad, his humor, his contributions, and parenting style :-). I distinctly remember his wonderful smile and laugh. I am so sorry for your loss. Love and hugs.
Sara W Franco

January 15, 2021

It was a pleasure to get to know John and to learn about his life and family. John touched a lot of lives with his wit and service to others. May he rest in peace.
Scott Fuir

January 15, 2021

Uncle Johnny was a man to admire and love — and I’ll never stop doing both. I’ll miss his chuckle!  Offering prayers of great Thanksgiving for his life and for comfort for my dear family. 
Jenny Daley Peterson

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