MCC Daily Tribune
Passing of James Cyril Davis, Jr., Professor Emeritus of English
The MCC family was saddened to hear of the recent passing of James C. “Jim” Davis, professor emeritus of English.
Professor Emeritus Davis joined MCC as an Assistant Professor in 1966, with promotions to Associate Professor in 1971 and full Professor in 1983. He served as Chair of the English/Philosophy Department from 1984 to 1988.
An active and engaged member of the MCC faculty, serving as the liaison to the Speech and Theatre department, an advisor to the college yearbook, and a tutor in the college discovery program. He was active on various college committees and the Faculty Association. While being considered for a promotion, a colleague referred to Jim as “a deeply committed teacher, one who constantly seeks to improve his considerable success in the classroom, and who has the courage to depart from traditional modes of instruction.”
Upon his retirement in 1995, after 29 years of service, he was accorded the rank of professor emeritus.
Professor Emeritus Davis graduated from Harpur College (now SUNY Binghamton) and graduate school at the University of Rochester.
He is survived by Jody, his loving wife of 57 years, his beloved sons James (Jody Madell) of Brooklyn and Jonathan (Julia) of Oakland and granddaughters Eva and Rose. Cherished brothers Richard (Mary Ellen) of Rochester and Will Thomas (Lilly) of France also survive, and brother Philip of Long Island predeceased him. He is survived by cherished brother-in-law Eddie and sister-in-law Emily. Dear nephews and nieces, cousins, and wonderful friends near and far were important to Jim.
We are grateful for Professor Emeritus Davis’s dedication and valuable contributions. He will be missed.
DeAnna Burt-Nanna
Office of the President
07/28/2023