Festus R-VI Hall of Fame Inductee - John Davis
1993 Festus R-VI Hall of Fame Recipient
John Davis
John Davis exemplifies responsible leadership in a variety of situations. From his time as a student at Festus High School, John has won the respect of those with whom he associates. He has long been an excellent role model, inspiring others with his natural leadership ability, excellent character, high achievement, and dedication to service. John has continued to exhibit these qualities through college and into his life as a successful and respected businessman and community leader. He is known for his friendship, courtesy, poise, confidence, tact, and good judgment.
John’s leadership began to surface in high school where he was captain of the football team and basketball team, president of the junior class and president of the student council. His excellent standing as a scholar of high character earned him membership in the National Honor Society, selection as a representative to Missouri Boy’s State, and recipient of the Tommy Alexander Award. The respect of his peers was shown by his being chosen as a Tiger King.
As John furthered his education at William Jewel College, he continued to show leadership. At William Jewell he was captain of the football team, president of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and President of the Interfraternity Council. In recognition of his high level of all-around performance, John was given the Colonel Alexander Doniphan First Man on Campus Award and selected to attend the United States Air Force Academy. His academic preparation did not end when he received his bachelor’s degree. He continues his professional growth by keeping abreast of current financial trends and changes appropriate for the President and Chief Executive Officer of a modern savings and loan institution. His ongoing interest in education and in his hometown is shown by his helping William Jewell students, especially those from Festus High School, as an unofficial, but willing, counselor and a friendly link to home.
John’s pattern of high achievement continues as a business and community leader. He displays skills in organizing and performing duties in high-pressure positions of finance and investments. He has the ability to identify problems, set valid priorities, and delegate responsibility. He has shown true administrative initiative in operating a major financial institution in the turbulent economic times of the 1980’s. His leadership is shown by his ability to motivate and gain the cooperation of others in both business and community activities. He holds an opinion or point of view with assurance and with a spirit of cooperation without giving offense to those who do not share his view.
Community involvement is an important part of John’s life. His good judgment, his emotional balance, and his ability to distinguish between the important and unimportant and to approach difficult issues with an open mind make him a valuable community leader. He has served as Missouri Treasurer of Ducks Unlimited and President of Phi Gamma Delta House Corporation Board. He is a member of the board of directors of William Jewell Alumni Association, Liberty Hospital Foundation, Liberty Industrial Development Authority, and Immacolata Manor Home for Retarded Women. John is a member of Habitat for Humanity and Liberty High School Booster Club. He is a sponsor of Love Incorporated, a clearing house for local churches to assist the homeless and is a coach for the Liberty Basketball League. He initiated the Clay County Flood Relief Program of 1993.
John exhibits all the traits of a respected role model. His code of ethics and his personal and professional integrity have earned him the esteem of others, from his days as a Festus High School student to his current position as an honored business and community leader.