It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jay
Clifford Davis, Newport, NH. Jay was born to Augustus Davis and
Jacqueline Kelley with his twin brother Jeffrey on May 9, 1953 in Claremont,
NH. He spent his early years in Claremont schools and in Newport, R.I. with
his twin and younger brother, Mark. He was smart and curious.
In 1970 Jay’s life’s journey took a strong new turn when he was
brought home to live with Russell Banks and Mary Gunst. Russell saw
potential in Jay and included him in his family in Northwood, NH. Here he
was embraced by some of the best up and coming young poets and novelists of the
day. Jay found a tribe and he found poetry and philosophy, where he began
to take his own writing seriously.
In 1972 Jay fell ill with Guillian Barre Syndrome and was
hospitalized for a lengthy stay. He beat the odds and survived the
illness. His legs were not stable, but he fought that challenge daily,
and with a continued sense of humor. Jay hitch hiked from the Banks’
house in Northwood to Marlboro College in Marlboro, Vermont one afternoon and
convinced the College to enroll him as a student in Sept.1973. Here he
made lifelong friends and buried himself in learning, graduating in Philosophy
and Religion.
He met his first wife Marion (Mimi) Moller there. They were
married in 1980 and had three children together.
Jay worked throughout his life as an administrator, consultant and
computer program developer. After Marlboro he went to work for
Renaissance Greeting Cards in Turners Falls, Ma. When the company made
the decision to move to Maine, Jay and Mimi went with them. The majority
of his professional life was centered in Portland. He lived in Maine until 2017
when he returned to live with his twin in Newport, NH
A major focus of Jay’s life was his poetry. In Portland, Maine he created a Poetry Slam Team that competed in National competitions. He has three chapbooks that are still available and he became noted for his open mics and slams in Southern Maine. Knives, or the Way To a Man's Heart was featured by Garrison Keeler in 2005.
Jay leaves behind his three children; Collin, Kelley and Elizabeth
and his granddaughter Colette and his twin brother Jeffrey and Jeff’s wife
Tracey. Jay’s intelligence and wit will never be forgotten, nor his
warmth and generosity. He also leaves behind many different communities
of friends who have lost touch with him in recent years. We ask that you
spread the word in your own groups. His children ask donations be made to
support local organizations that support at risk youth. His family will
celebrate him privately.
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