Joe L. Davis ’64

Joe died Aug. 20, 2024, at home in Port Townsend, Wash.

Born in Texas, he grew up near Seattle and attended Highline High School. By going to Princeton, he followed in the footsteps of his father Hugh and uncle Gaston, who were twins and members of the Class of 1935. Another uncle, Chester, was in the Class of ’33. Joe left Princeton, where he was a member of the Woodrow Wilson Society, about a year before graduation, and in 1965 he earned a degree in political science from the University of Washington.

Joe then spent seven years in the Peace Corps in Chile, an experience that deeply shaped his life. Upon returning to Washington, he became a Spanish interpreter and a high school language teacher.

Outside of work, Joe was an avid dancer, swimmer, and windsurfer. Throughout his life he enjoyed tennis, skiing, kayaking, sailing, and traveling. Despite mental health challenges, he never lost the ability to laugh at himself or to tell humorous stories. He will be remembered for his unique character, generosity of spirit, and dedication to making the world a better place.

Joe is survived by three sisters, Helen, Carole, and Kim.