Jack "Big Jack" Burton Davis Jr.

Jack Davis was a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Born in 1924, he was the son of the late Callie Elizabeth and Jack Burton Davis, Sr. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served his country with honors during World War II in the Pacific. He was an original Buckhead Boy as he attended both E. Rivers and North Fulton. He attended the University of Georgia, was an SAE, and a member of the Gridiron Society. Beginning in 1975, he contributed his talents to the UGA Athletic Department drawing the Georgia Bulldog Mascot in many sports for the next thirty-nine years. He was a true Bulldog fan in every respect and was honored by UGA with an Alumni Merit Award as well as an Art Department Visiting Artist Lecture Series named for him.

Jack served an internship as a cartoon artist with the Atlanta Journal. Moved to New York, studied at the Arts Students League and began working for EC Comics. In 1952 he became one of the founding cartoonist for Mad magazine with his uniquely original style. His work included Time Magazine and TV Guide covers and many movie posters. In 1989, he was commissioned by the United States Postal Service to design the 25-cent Letter Carriers stamp. Jack was honored for his artwork in 1996 when he received the National Cartoonist Society’s Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received the National Cartoonist Society’s Advertising Award for 1980 and their Reuben Award in 2000. Jack was then inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame in 2005. He was a member of Christ Church Federica and of Sea Island.

Residing on the north end Saint Simons Island, Georgia since 1989 in his dream home, designed by his architect son, with a private art studio, Jack was active in the local community donating his talent. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. Enjoyed playing golf and looking at the marsh from his porch and his studio. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers who took such loving care of Jack.

Mr. Davis is survived by his wife of 66 years, Claudine “Dena” R. Davis of Saint Simons Island, GA; one son, Jack Davis III (Ann) of Atlanta, GA; a daughter, Katie Lloyd (Chris) of Athens, GA; two granddaughters, Sara Lloyd Alias (Andrew) and Molly Lloyd, both of Atlanta, GA.

A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 29, 2016 in Christ Church Federica on Saint Simons Island, Georgia. The Reverend Becky Rowell will officiate the service. The interment will follow in the Christ Church Federica Cemetery. The family will receive friends with a reception held in the church social hall immediately following.

Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to Christ Church Federica, 6329 Frederica Rd., Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 or Heartland Hospice, 664 Scranton Rd. #103, Brunswick, GA 31520.

Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home www.edomillerandsons.com