John attended St. Anthony’s Grade and High School in Effingham before graduating from Chaminade
College Preparatory in St. Louis, Missouri. It was there he discovered his love of the Spanish culture and
changed his plan from being an architect to teaching the Spanish language. He graduated from
University Illinois Urbana Champagne and continued his passion for learning at University of Illinois
Chicago, Loyola University, and Northern Illinois University.
John taught Spanish for thirty-seven years before retiring after thirty-two years as a professor
with Harper College Palatine, Illinois. Even in retirement John volunteered to teach Spanish
through LifeLong learning programs for students of all ages.
John spent the last twenty-four years with his wife Tammy, splitting time between Austin, Texas and
Lake Villa, Illinois. They were reverse snowbirds, opting for the snow of winter and spring in Illinois and
heat of the summer and fall in Austin to align with the Longhorn football season. John will be
remembered by many for gifting Eisenhower dollar coins, handing them out to new and old friends on
special occasions. He would share this gift and say, “Here is a dollar. Keep this and you will never be
broke, you will always have money and it will bring you good luck.”
John is survived by his wife Tammy Harlow of Austin, Texas; his daughters Kaarina Davis of
Alhonlahdentie, Finland and Maria Davis of La Grange, Illinois; Steve and Carol Harlow; and Micki Harlow
of Austin. In addition, John will be remembered by his many friends from the Mars Cheese Castle in
Kenosha, Wisconsin and the Draught House Pub in Austin, Texas.
There will be a wake to celebrate John’s life when it is safe to gather and raise a craft beer in
remembrance of this special man.
John was a lover of wildlife and protecting the environment for us and the future generations. In lieu of
flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choosing or to the World Wildlife fund, National
Geographic, or Heifer International.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com for the Davis family.
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