Man honored for serving community

The honoree was elected to council in 1961.
NEWTON FALLS -- Village council took time Monday to honor Jack Davis, who has been a staple of community programs for more than 40 years.
Davis, a native of the village, accepted the award with a smile and a handshake, the two things he's given fellow residents throughout the years.
"I'd just like to really thank everyone, said Davis. "I really enjoyed myself during the time I spent on council and the parks and recreation [committee]. We really had some great people working back then."
Davis was elected to Newton Falls City Council in 1961 and served several years. He served on the Newton Falls Parks and Recreation Committee for more than 20 years.
The Davis family has been an integral part of Newton Falls' history dating to the early 1900s. Davis' grandmother had a general store in the city, while his father, John, started an insurance business in 1928. After attending Youngstown College and Hiram College for three years and being in the military for two, Jack joined his father in 1958. He took over the business in 1961.
The business, John R. Davis Insurance, still sits in the middle of town.
"I've known him for 20 years," said council member Steve Stevens, presenting Davis with the award. "Not only is he a great guy, he's also my insurance agent," Stevens joked.
A diverse life
Davis is also a celebrated member of the Newton Falls Kiwanis Club. A member since 1961, Davis served as secretary while opening his office to be the warehouse for hundreds of cakes donated for the popular Kiwanis Cakewalk on Halloween every year. The Ohio District Kiwanis honored him as a distinguished club secretary.
Davis spent years coaching teams in Newton Falls Little League while also serving as the league treasurer.
He also headed the Salvation Army in Newton Falls and Leavittsburg with the help of his four children: David, Roger, Tom and Diana. Davis also managed to stay active at the First Congregational Church despite his busy lifestyle.
"I have been very happy in Newton Falls. I wouldn't want live anywhere else," he said.