DAVIS Dr. S. JOHN DAVIS "Jack"  On the morning of Sunday, November 22, 2009, Dr. S. John "Jack" Davis passed away in Roanoke, Virginia after a long illness. Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jan, and their four children, Lisa, Kara, John and Megan, their spouses, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, father, educator and friend. Dr. Davis was awarded a B.S. Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Masters Degree from George Washington University and a Doctoral Degree from The American University. In addition he held an honorary LLD from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Davis devoted all of his professional life to the children of the State of Virginia. He served as a teacher and administrator in the Arlington County Public Schools and as Director at the Flint Hill School in Oakton, Virginia. In the Fairfax County Public Schools he served as [asst./acting] principal at Fort Hunt and West Springfield High Schools, Area Two Superintendent, and, Division Superintendent of Schools. In 1979, Dr. Davis was appointed to the position of State Superintendent of Public Instruction by Governor John N. Dalton and reappointed to the same position by Governors Charles S. Robb and Gerald Baliles, serving until his retirement in 1990. During his tenure as State Superintendent, Dr. Davis served as a member of the Southern Regional Education Board, a trustee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Virginia State Council of Higher Education, and the Commissioner of the Education Commission of the States. In addition, after his retirement he served as an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech, a Visiting Professor at George Mason University, and as the principle partner in the firm of S. John Davis and Associates, Ltd. Jack loved people, and he would smile if you would remember him in a way that would be special to you. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home in Salem, VA. No services will be held.

Published in The Washington Post on Dec. 6, 2009