Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Dr. John James Davis passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in the care of Grace Village Health Care in Winona Lake at the age of 89. He was a beloved former professor and past president of Grace College & Seminary in Winona Lake.
He was born on Oct. 13, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Catherine Nicholls Davis and John J. Davis. John married Carolyn A. Clark on June 28, 1958, and were blessed to share 67 years before John passed away. Together they enjoyed worshipping alongside their church family at Winona Lake Grace Church and also Dutchtown Bible Church of Warsaw.
Dr. Davis received a B.A. from Trinity College (Florida), M.Div. (with honors), Th.M. and Th.D. degrees from Grace Theological Seminary and earned his D.D. from Trinity College. He also had done his graduate studies at the Near East School of Archaeology in Jerusalem and post-doctoral study at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland under the auspices of Indiana University. He served as professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Grace Theological Seminary for 39 years. During those years he also held the position of executive vice president for six years and president for seven years of both Grace College and Grace Theological Seminary. John also served as director of admissions for the seminary for four years. Throughout his career he was able to teach as well as preach in 45 different countries. Twice he had been invited as a Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lecturer on college campuses and his Bible conference ministry took him to various parts of the U.S. each year. John also pastored churches in Tampa, Fla., and South Whitley and had spoken at many church-sponsored wild game dinners around the country. Throughout his lifetime he authored 18 books and recorded 15 music CDs. He was a talented musician who played the guitar, plectrum banjo and baritone ukulele.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Carolyn Davis, Winona Lake; daughter, Deborah (John) Barr, Ecuador; two nephews, Brian W. (Amy) Davis, Fort Wayne; Kevin Alan (Melissa) Davis, Winter Garden, Fla.; four grandnephews and two grandnieces. He also leaves behind his brother, Robert P. Davis, Winona Lake; sister-in-law, Laura Davis, Warsaw; as well as cousins, Carol Nicholls, New Jersey; and Jane (Larry) Shaw, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Arthur W. Davis.
Family and friends may visit from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Dr. Davis’ life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at Grace Village Retirement Community – The Chapel, 337 Grace Village Drive, Winona Lake, and officiated by Pastor Dave Robison. A private family graveside service will take place at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.
Memorial donations in Dr. Davis’ memory may be directed to Grace College & Seminary, 1 Lancer Way, Winona Lake, IN 46590.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
