John Johnston Davis III – 50th Reunion Essay

John Johnston Davis III

428 Country Lane

Louisville, KY 40207

davisjuniord@gmail.com

502-895-6157; 502-609-7528 (cell)

Spouse(s): Ann Haldeman Price Davis (1976)

Child(ren): Elizabeth Tyler Davis (1979); Ian Charles Baird Davis (1982)

Grandchild(ren): Eliza Barnett Bird (2008); Emmeline Perry Bird (2011); Mayhew Elizabeth Davis (2013); Ann Bradford Blackey Davis (2016)

Education: Yale, BA, 1969; Harvard, J.D., 1974

Career: Attorney, Brown-Forman Corporation, 11 years; Vice President, J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L.Lyons, Inc., 10 Years; Executive Vice President, Harvey Investment Company, LLC, 14 years

Avocations: Opera, golf, reading

College: Berkeley

My life since Yale, like that of most of you, has not traveled in a straight line. I have had many jobs, some success, and some failures. I am fortunate to have had the company, for the last 42 years, of the energetic and talented Ann, who has opened my eyes to the wonders of travel and been most tolerant of me. I am hoping that my knees will hold out long enough for me to travel on hikes to a few more places in the world.

As one of the younger members of our class, I have been blessed with the twin phenomena of an aging parent and four young granddaughters. I have observed the decline and the dementia of old age and the obstreperous curiosity of the very young. Both have tried my patience, to my regret, but I hope that I have improved. Since I have been retired for over four years, I can afford not to be in a hurry.

I am trying with limited success to stem the tide of deterioration of my physical and mental beings so that I can continue to enjoy the company and the growth of my family for as long as possible. That’s enough for me.