Jesse Eugene Davis' Obituary
Jesse Eugene Davis passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, January 6, following complications from a stroke. He was born on May 6, 1943, and lived a life defined by quiet strength, devotion, and kindness. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues called him Jesse while family called him Gene or “Genie.” Jesse/Gene was a quiet man with the biggest heart.
Coming from a proud military family, Jesse Eugene Davis was inducted into the United States Army on April 22, 1965, and served until April 21, 1967. During his service with the Corps of Engineers, he was stationed at Fort Ord, Fort Lewis, and in Thailand. While living at home in Belmont, Jesse Eugene Davis attended college and worked alongside his father building houses throughout California. Together, they built and settled into the Belmont home overlooking San Francisco Bay—the very house where Jesse grew up and one that meant everything to him.
Jesse Eugene Davis attended Cañada College, where he earned his associate degree, and later received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and cartography from San Francisco State University. In 1975, when his beloved mother became ill, Jesse Eugene Davis devoted himself to her care until her passing on June 17, 1978, a reflection of his deep sense of responsibility and love for family.
Throughout his professional life, Jesse Eugene Davis held two meaningful careers. He worked in archaeology with Holman & Associates, conducting field studies and mapping burial sites, primarily at Native American burial grounds. He also worked for the U.S. Geological Survey in cartography and later as a land surveyor with Operating Engineers and the San Jose Water Company, retiring in 2005.
In his free time, Jesse Eugene Davis could often be found tinkering with his motorcycle collection; favoring Triumphs and Suzuki’s, never a Harley. He had a deep love for animals, especially cats. His beloved cat, Rex was a special friend. Jesse Eugene Davis was a gentle, soft-spoken man of humble beginnings whose quiet presence left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Jesse Eugene Davis was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Davis; his beloved mother, Doris Alyene(Gaddis) Davis; his older brother, Robert “Bob” Davis; and his nephew-in-law, Chris Mallick. He is survived by his dear partner, Susie Payne and her children Rachel and Lincoln; his late brother’s family, including his sister-in-law Carolyn (Watkins) Davis and their children Frank (Connie), John and (Karen), and Kim (Davis) Mallick. Great Uncle Gene was devoted to his nephews and nieces Jesse, Emily, Garrett, Olivia, Will, Wade, Matthew, Madison, Kasey, and Katelyn. He is also survived by close cousins Phil Scatena, Barbara Garten, and their families.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 6, 2026 at noon at Skylawn Memorial Park 888 Lifemark Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, which will be his final resting place next to his beloved Mom.
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