John Davis died January 3rd at the age of 86. He was born in Manchester, NH, grew up in Winchester, and had lived in Amherst for most of his adult life.

He was devoted to Ruthie, his late of wife 43 years. He loved antique airplanes, Dixieland jazz, and especially astronomy.

For many decades he was involved in and attended amateur astronomy organizations and events all over New England, including the Astronomy Association and Springfield Stars. He was an active longtime member of the Amherst Area Amateur Astronomers Association (the 5As) from whom he received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Arunah Hill Natural Science Center.

An exuberant and gregarious man, he loved his family, his old friends, and making new ones. He leaves his daughter Susan and his sister Maryjane and her family. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

At 10 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Jan 11, there will be a calling hour & service at Douglass Funeral Svc in Amherst followed by burial at Pelham Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.