John Wilson Davis died at home peacefully on April 2nd, 2026, in the love and care of his wife, Sharon Irvine, and his children.

He was born October 27th, 1962, in Kenosha, Wisc., of David Winningham Davis and Sally "Sunny" Rullman. John attended Kemper Hall and Tremper High School in Kenosha, Wisc., and graduated from University of Wisconsin – Madison.

John was an expert problem solver who proudly dedicated his career as a mechanical engineer to tool & die manufacturing, design, and process engineering at Ford Motor Company. He was widely respected and admired for his innovative and out-of-the-box problem-solving and was known to never rest until a robust solution had been achieved. His legacy at Ford Motor Company includes the all-aluminum F-series truck, 2000s/2010s Mustang models, and two patents in tool & die process engineering that are still used across industry standards today. John retired from Ford Motor Company in 2017 after 31 years of service.

John was a keystone in the many circles of his life. As an avid, skilled fly fisherman, he initiated and coordinated annual fly-fishing trips with dear friends he collected along life's journey. John was President of Ypsilanti Little League Baseball for several years encouraging inclusion of all children within the community. Drawing on his engineering expertise, John was a talented and exacting craftsman who decorated the lives of those he loved with one-of-a-kind creations, including: a variety of beautiful furniture and a stunning wine cellar and bar in the basement of his home. He was also a gunsmith who refurbished historically significant shotguns. The depth of John's commitment to community, to friendship, to family, and to the greater good was a reflection of his strongly held values.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Irvine; daughter, Anna Davis of Denver, Col.; and sons, John (Jack) Wilson Davis Jr. of Madison, Wis. and Adam Davis of Madison, Wis.; David W. (Sarah Woodworth) Davis Jr. of Mazomanie, Wis.; Nina C. (Christopher Dadian) Davis of St. Louis, Mo., and James O. Davis of Naperville, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his former wife Mary A. Davis.

Flowers can be sent to Stark Funeral Professionals where a memorial visitation will be held for John on Saturday, April 18th, 2026, from 10AM–12PM. A celebration of John's life will take place at St. Luke's Episcopal Church following from 2–3PM. In lieu of flowers we are working to set up a scholarship foundation in John's memory to support education of future engineers. Information on how to donate to the foundation will be provided at the visitation memorial and shared online.