Jacqueline "Jackie" M. Davis

Jacqueline M. “Jackie” Davis, 73, of Princeton passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from leukemia, surrounded by her family at Mercy Circle in Chicago.

Jackie was born on July 19, 1952 in Taylorville, IL, the daughter of Maxwell and Virginia (Fellin) Klemm.  She graduated from Taylorville High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University.  Later in life, she earned a Master’s degree in education from Walden University.

Jackie moved to Princeton in 1981 where she raised her three children, Grant, Bart, and Jayne.  Princeton was home to her for nearly 45 years.  When her eldest son was in high school, she went back to teaching and taught science to generations of students at Logan Junior High.  Even at 5’2”, she was an imposing figure and was known as a challenging, but fair and engaging teacher.

Community, education, and public service were tenants of Jackie’s life.  She was always active in her children’s education and expected them to give nothing less than their best. She was a Cub Scout den leader, taught confirmation at St. Matthews, and, when a coach was needed, she coached her daughter’s youth soccer team to a championship season even though she had never played herself. She volunteered extensively throughout the Princeton community including for the Perry Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Closet, the Optimists, the Princeton Public Library, and Lincoln Elementary. She also served on the Princeton High School Board, the Princeton Public Library Board, and the City of Princeton’s Planning Commission.

In retirement she traveled extensively with her friend Carol throughout the United States and Europe.  She also became a Master Naturalist.

She loved her grandkids, Lydia and Max, to the moon and back.  She was always there for them to offer a bit of advice, provide a shoulder to lean on, and to spoil them, much to the never-ending frustration of their parents.

Jackie is survived by her children, Grant (Anne) of Chicago, Bart of Chicago, and Jayne of Los Angeles; her grandchildren, Lydia and Max of Chicago; two siblings, Max (Sheryl) Klemm of Taylorville and Ginny Klemm of Springfield; her nieces, Michelle and Melissa; and numerous close friends including Carol, Lynda, and Sue.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Her family would like to give a special thanks to the staff and residents of Mercy Circle in Chicago who helped Jackie and her family during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton.  Cremation Rites have been accorded.  Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Jackie asked donations be made to the Princeton Public Schools Foundation and the Saint Louis Catholic Church Magi Baby Chest in Princeton, IL.