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- John Albert Davis, Jr., age 86, of Poughkeepsie, New York, died Thursday, March 18, at St. Francis Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. Jack was born July 21, 1923 in Pulaski, New York, to John Albert Davis and Ruth Potter Davis. He graduated early from Pulaski Academy, and became an organ major at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. Jack interrupted his studies to join the Army Air Corps as a second Lieutenant during World War II. He served with distinction as a bomber pilot in the European Theater of Operations, flying 66 missions over Germany and its occupied countries. When he returned from duty, he was married to Dorothy Ann Deininger of Wollaston, Massachusetts on August 6, 1945. Jack resumed his studies at Westminster, graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree. He spoke often of this period in his life, and how much he enjoyed being totally immersed in the music community. He and Dottie Ann were both members of the college chorus, which was frequently hired to perform with such noted orchestras as the New York Philharmonic. After graduation, the couple was recruited by Park Congregational Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Jack became the organist and choirmaster, and Dottie Ann directed the childrens choirs. In 1955 Jack was appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to serve as the organist and choirmaster at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. During this period he earned a Masters Degree in Musicology from Boston University. In addition to his chapel duties, he taught music appreciation courses at West Point, and was affectionately known as Doc by the cadets because of the honorary doctorate in music bestowed on him by Westminster Choir College. While at West Point he also directed the Ladycliff College Womens Glee Club for many years. Jack retired from West Point in 1985, and became the organist choirmaster at the Reformed Church in Poughkeepsie, New York. He remained there until December 2009. Jack was a Mason for over 50 years, and also a distinguished member of the American Guild of Organists. Jack is survived by his daughter Ellen and her husband Owen, his son John Alec, his son Peter and his wife Irma; two grandsons, George Adam and his wife Martha, and John Adam and his wife Erin; and one great grandson, Riley Adam. He is further survived by several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Ann, and his two brothers Richard and Harold. Funeral services for John A. Davis, Jr. will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 24, at the Reformed Church, 70 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, New York. The Reverend Bob Geehan, pastor, will officiate. Donations may be made to the Organ fund at the Reformed Church.
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1923 - 2010 (86 years)
d. 14 Aug 1967 (Age 67 years)