Jack Davis the former President and CEO of Ventura Foods passed away on June 24.

Jack Davis the former President and CEO of Ventura Foods passed away on June 24.  The 84 year old was iconic and legendary in his time to our industry.

On a personal note, according to Andy Seagren, “Jack was a great leader and a big champion of the veg oils industry as a whole and of the NIOP in particular.   I am grateful to have known him and to have had the opportunity to work with him!”   Several others have shared similar thoughts and comments with NIOP.

We hope to honor Mr. Davis by sharing the news of his passing with the industry.

Jackie “Jack” Joe Davis of Olive Branch, MS passed away Friday, June 24, 2022 at his home. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home in Olive Branch (6815 Parkview Blvd. Olive Branch, MS 38654). A memorial service will follow at 6:00 p.m. Reverend Sam Jones will officiate.

Jack was born on January 22, 1938 in Jackson, CA. He graduated from Drew High School in Drew, MS. Jack went on to graduate from Virginia Tech with a Chemistry degree. He was President and CEO of Ventura Foods in California. Jack and the love of his life, Ann, moved back to Mississippi four years ago. He was a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach and Los Compadres, a men’s organization that gives scholarships to youth.

Jack was larger than life. He was generous, loyal, wise, intellectual, and sincere. Jack even had Thanksgiving dinner with Elvis. Jack was known as a wine connoisseur and enjoyed traveling, cooking, and watching the birds at the feeder in his backyard. He had a love for his family and adored his grandchildren, even his friend’s children. Jack was well-known for his warmth as a friend, counselor and a dad to many. He was loved and will be truly missed.

Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Catherine Ann Davis of Olive Branch; daughters, Elizabeth “Beth” Jane Kruger (Mitchel) of Olive Branch and Jennifer Rainey (Frank) of Olive Branch; grandson, Michael Garcia (Mallory) of Austin, TX; granddaughters, Samantha Kruger of Memphis, TN and Katherine Kruger of Laguna Beach, CA; great-grandson, Oliver Garcia of Austin, TX; and one soon-to-be great-granddaughter, Blakely Scott.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Gertrude Davis, and one brother, Gary Ray Davis.

In lieu of traditional flowers, memorials can be made in honor of Jackie Joe Davis to Heartland Hands Food Pantry in Horn Lake, MS (www.heartlandhands.org).

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