John W. Davis III ’64 *66

John died Aug. 21, 2022, in Manahawkin, N.J., surrounded by his family.

John came to Princeton from Exeter, where he played football, lacrosse, and wrestled. After freshman year with the Class of 1961, he served three years active duty with the Marine Corps, coming back to join the Class of 1964. He joined Ivy and majored in architecture, doing his thesis on reconstruction of hurricane damage along the southern regions of the New Jersey coast and working summers as a lifeguard and bartender on Long Beach Island.

John stayed on after graduation to earn a master’s degree in architecture. He then took up residence on Long Beach Island, becoming an accomplished architect and designing homes and commercial properties there for more than four decades.

John’s fondness for the island and the sea was as strong as his desire to be a sailor, but both were eclipsed by love for his family, especially his wife, Colleen. John will be remembered for his devotion to her, and for his warm laugh and enthusiastic support of family sports meets, milestones, and ventures.

John was predeceased by Colleen and son Rowe. He is survived by his son, Whit; daughter-in-law Lisa; and three grandchildren, to all of whom the class offers its condolences.