Continuing the Legacy of Jack Davis

Jack Davis was many things — respected attorney for over 50 years, family man and business leader.

Davis’ long list of commitments included chairing the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, serving two terms as president of the Lansing School District board and chairing the region’s Blue Ribbon Panel to retain General Motors.

Davis was founder and former trustee of the Lansing Community College Foundation, the Okemos Education Foundation, the Opera Guild of Greater Lansing and Legal Aid of Central Michigan. He was also president of the Rotary Club of Lansing and served on the board of advisers for the Broad Museum on the campus of Michigan State University.

Davis was a collector of first-edition books, storing them in vaults but also sharing them, including a donation of 650 volumes of female playwrights and authors to MSU.

A stop by his office at Loomis Law would show you countless pictures of family, memorabilia and art from his travels to Cuba, India, Japan, South Africa, Venice and Santa Fe, just to name a few.

But Lansing was home. Davis was the epitome of what it looks like to immerse yourself in the city in which you live. He liked to look at the flags over the Capitol building in Lansing to determine wind speed and decide if he could fit in a bike ride, no doubt fondly remembering the DALMAC or the Tour de France. He would often work late in his downtown office, but he also took the time to support the arts and many other facets of life in the region.

One of the legacies Davis left behind upon his passing in May at the age of 81 was philanthropy. Davis gave time and money to countless organizations in the 517, from the Davies Project to the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing, Fenner Nature Center and the Lansing Symphony Orchestra.

It is our goal to continue his legacy through his commitment to nonprofits by bringing you the Jack Davis Legacy Nonprofit Spotlight. Each month we’ll highlight a different nonprofit that Davis supported.

­ Look for our first feature in next month’s issue.