Jonathan Davis

JONATHAN DAVIS, LOCAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND GENTLEMAN, DIES AT 70
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Allison Davis invites you to share in the

Celebration and Remembrance of the Life of Jonathan Davis.
Please join us via Zoom on Sunday, January 9 at 4 p.m. eastern time
The Zoom opens at 3:45 p.m.
Here is the link:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7901880472?pwd=eXZvT0syU...

Meeting ID: 790 188 0472
Passcode: Presence

Please press the link and enter. If this is your first time using Zoom, please download the link early and follow the prompts.

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Dr. Jonathan Davis, beloved husband, revered therapist, and true gentleman died peacefully at the age of 70 at home in Dover, New Hampshire, on December 23, 2021, after a lengthy illness.

“We shared an office together more than thirty years and never had one problem between us,” said colleague Linda Gerson, MSW. “ He was a marvelous therapist and beloved by his patients.”

Born on September 24, 1951, Jon grew up in Livingston, New Jersey and graduated from Georgetown University where he pursued his interest in politics, world affairs, and diplomacy in the School of Foreign Affairs. A stint as a professional sports newscaster followed, and he worked with Dick Schaap at NBC. He then pursued a spiritual quest which took him to the Daglingworth School in England. When he returned, he chose clinical psychology as his path, and graduated from Boston University where he received his Ed.D in psychology.

In the early 1980s he married the love of his life, artist Allison Speinheimer. They traveled America, Europe, and Israel, and settled in Newburyport, Merrimac and then Dover, New Hampshire. They discovered the work of the Golden Sufi Center, which they practiced together throughout Jon’s life.

“He had a huge heart and was so accepting of everybody,” says Allison Davis. “People could feel that and felt very safe around him.. He was genuinely able to connect with the deep part of people so they felt heard, accepted, welcomed, special, and loved. “

After employment in area hospitals in the early 1980’s, Jon began his private psychology practice as Jonathan Davis, Ed.D., first in Newburyport and then in Byfield, Mass. Jon loved his work and for forty years treated thousands of patients throughout the region and beyond, with a humanistic approach coupled with a marvelous sense of humor. He continued to see patients right up until his final hospitalization.

Says friend Wayne Bolahood, lifelong friend from Jon’s Daglingworth days, “Jonathan practiced several spiritual disciplines—always with the goal of transformation. Jonathan found fulfillment in helping others, and knew that he could not help others if he could not improve himself. He did both and he did them well. “

“I think that the most important thing about his character was not only his silent courage about his own condition, but his constant sensitivity to other people’s needs and feelings,” says friend and healer Dr. Ken Emonds. “I always thought of Jon as the quintessential gentleman, one who never offends, no matter how irritated he might be. He never barged into other people’s feelings. “

Jon was a person of great understanding, sweetness, intelligence, and humor. He adored broadcast sports, and could always be seen rooting for his favorite New York teams—the Giants and the Knicks. Before his debilitating illness, he loved to travel, hike and play tennis and golf. Jon was passionate about his dog Sadie and classical music, with Brahms, Beethoven, and Schubert particular favorites. Allison’s cooking was high on the list too. Above all, Jonathan was a lifelong spiritual seeker who was a remarkable friend. He bore a difficult illness with a quiet bravery and without complaint. With his gifts of acceptance and tolerance, so many people call Jonathan their best friend to this day. His beatific smile, full belly laugh, and beaming countenance live on.

John was preceded in death by his mother and father, Natalie and Myron Davis, Uncle Buddy, and friend Chris O’Gara. He is survived by his wife Allison Davis, sister Bobbie Winokur and family and brother Scott Davis, niece Blake Pecelli and nephew Ross Winokur, compatriots from “Five Amigos” and a host of colleagues, patients, and “best friends.”

SERVICES: On January 9 at 4 p.m. please join a virtual celebration of Jon’s life via Zoom.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to donate in Jon’s memory may contribute to the Golden Sufi Center at https://goldensufi.org/donations/ or to the charity of their choice.

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Give me freedom to fly without a shadow,
Give me freedom to sing without an echo,
and to love without leaving traces. –Shijira Sharif