Dear classmates,

I'm sorry to tell you of the loss of Javier Davis. He passed away on November 26, 2005, after a long battle with cancer. Angela King contacted us through the website. Angela shared the following:

Javy had a great time at the reunion and really enjoyed the golf outing. He didn't really talk about his illness to anyone else and most people didn't know until the final 6 months or so when he lost so much weight. He went through several surgeries and rounds of chemo/radiation. The cancer started in his colon but had progressed to his liver by the time the doctors diagnosed it. They removed part of his colon and then most of his liver but it returned. It finally moved to his lungs. Following the advice of his doctor and hospice nurse, he was moved to his mother's the first week of November and passed away the Saturday following Thanksgiving....but he was surrounded by family.

Javy leaves behind two beautiful daughters, ages 14 and 11. I'm very close to them, as well as to his mother who lives in Rantoul. One of the first things I remember about meeting him in October 1997 was what a great father he was. Javy fought to have his daughters every other weekend...driving from Indianapolis to Illinois on Friday to pick them up and then again on Sunday to drop them off. He was devoted to his girls so I'm happy that I'll get to continue to be a part of their lives.

Javy had accomplished so much in his personal life. He had completed his schooling and apprenticeship and was working steadily as an journeyman ironworker in Indianapolis, where he had also purchased a beautiful home. Javy was a very strong man and would give you the shirt off his back if you were his friend. But I'm sure you also know that he lived his life as he wanted. He loved to raise hell, listen to the blues, party and have a good laugh. He was deeply loved and is truly missed. Thanks for letting me share few memories.

Angela King