Joseph “Jake” Leonard Davidson Jr., a native Houstonian, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 at age 93.
Jake was born in Houston on Sept. 4, 1930, to Joseph Leonard Davidson Sr. and LaVeta Lowe Davidson. As a child, he lived in Palembang, Sumatra, where his first language was Malay. His father’s job as a geophysicist allowed a young Jake and his family to live in 10 southeastern Asian countries. The family returned to Houston in 1939 via cargo ship with his father’s two pet ringtail monkeys, Jimmy and Sally, and a Burmese python which became three of the early residents at the Houston Zoo. Jake graduated from Lamar High School in 1949. He attended the University of Houston briefly and then joined the Air Force, serving as a staff sergeant in the Korean War. Upon honorable discharge, he returned to Oklahoma A&M and then The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied geology and competitive ping-pong. Jake worked for Elmdahl Engineering as an oil and gas engineer before becoming Glen McCarthy’s only apprentice and then beginning his lifelong successful career as an independent oil and gas operator. He was well-known in the industry for his handshake contract, integrity and knowledge. His professional legacies are the many successful oilmen he quietly mentored along the way.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Jake excelled as a fisherman, yacht captain, rancher, sharpshooter, handyman, storyteller, Gulf Coast conservationist and a volunteer forester.
At 6-feet, 5-inches, he stood tall in his convictions and was a reassuring figure to everyone who learned to value his steady judgment and sense of humor. Never a man of too many words, Jake always meant what he said, and said what he meant. Above all else, he was a dedicated family man and a faithful, steadfast servant of God. He attended St. Cecilia Catholic Church with his wife and family. His family admired his tender devotion to his wife every day of their 51-year marriage. Jake leaves his family rich in vivid memories, hours of laughter, and an inspiring legacy of independence, hard work, honesty, and dedication to family.
Jake was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice Sobotik Davidson; daughters, Martha Davidson Schlesselman and husband David of Wheaton, Ill., Kristi Davidson Johnson and husband Michael of Houston, and Julie Davidson of Houston; four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren; three siblings, Harriett Cunningham, Mary Gwynne Rideout and Charlie Davidson (Bonnie); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial Mass was held Friday, Oct, 13 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Houston. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Jake’s favorite charity, The Salvation Army, 6150 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77081; or a charity of one’s choice.
Jake’s online memorial tribute can be found at GeoHLewis.com where fond memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.