John R. Davies

John R. Davies, 86, NJ High School Football Coach John R. (Jack) Davies of Morris County died from natural causes at the age of 86 on January 16th surrounded by his loving family. He was most recently a resident of Jupiter, FL, but spent the last 7 months in The Villa, a nursing facility in Florham Park, NJ, where he greatly enjoyed the many visits by friends and former players. First and foremost, Jack was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Antoinette (Toni) Windolf Davies, now residing in New Vernon, NJ, and his children, John Davies, Carolyn Davies and Cynthia Gambuti and her husband Chris. Jack was especially proud of his two granddaughters, Chelsea Davies and Emily Gambuti. He had a long and distinguished career as a football coach at two New Jersey high schools, leading teams in Butler and Montclair to two state championships and 11 conference championships. Along the way Jack compiled a record of 180 wins, 42 losses and four ties. Born in Jersey City on February 21, 1931, Jack considered himself a native of Verona, where he grew up. He was a star 3-sport athlete at Verona High School and a key member of the 1948 State Championship Football Team. After graduating from Verona he then attended St. Benedicts Prep. Jack continued his education at Montclair State College where he was one of the last 3-sport athletes. His college career was interrupted by military service, proudly serving 2 years with the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. In 1954, he signed a professional baseball contract and played one year of minor league baseball with the Baltimore Orioles organization. He then continued his education, graduating from Montclair State in 1957. Jacks first coaching job was at Madison High School, where he and his lifelong friend Frank Bottone were assistant football coaches to the legendary Ted Monica. While at MHS he also started the wrestling program. In 1967, his last year at Madison, the wrestling team had a 12-0 record and Jack was named Coach of the Year. Jack was then hired as head football coach at Butler High School. In 16 years, his teams compiled a record of 128 wins, 24 losses and 2 ties, a winning percentage of .832. Eight of Jacks teams won Conference Championships, two teams won Group 2 State Championships (1982 and 1983) and three teams were undefeated. Jack was named NJ Football Coach of the Year in 1982 by the Star Ledger. He was especially proud to coach his son, John, who quarterbacked the 1976 and 1977 Butler teams and was named first team All-State quarterback by the Star Ledger. In 1984, Jack left Butler and was hired as head football coach at Montclair High School. Jacks teams won 3 conference championships at Montclair and in a 7 year career Jacks record was 52 wins, 18 losses and 2 ties. He then spent four years working for the Big East Football Conference as an evaluator of officials. During his long career in athletics, Coach Davies had many accomplishments including election to the Athletic Hall of Fame at Montclair State College in 1976. He is also a member of the Hall of Fame of the NJ State Coaches Association, NJ Football Coaches and the Morris County and Essex County Football Coaches Associations. He never had to demand respect from his players. Because of his character, his core values and the way he conducted himself, he earned their respect on a day to day basis. Many colleagues, friends and relatives recognized these qualities in Jack and called him simply "The Coach". Visiting hours are scheduled for 4 PM 7 PM on Thursday, January 18th at the Morrison Funeral Home in Butler. A funeral mass will be held at 10 AM, Friday, January 19th, at St. Anthonys Catholic Church in Butler. A reception which will follow at the Knights of Columbus, 65 Hamburg Tpk., Butler. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, D.C. 20090-6011, in his memory. Memorial Gathering The Morrison Funeral Home Thursday, January 18, 2018 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Email Details 86 Bartholdi Ave.Butler, NJ 07405 Directions Memorial Mass St. Anthony RC Church Friday, January 19, 2018 10:00 AM Email Details 65 Bartholdi AveButler, NJ 07405 Directions