Obituary for John Arthur Davenport II
AUGUST 9, 1922 – JULY 25, 2024
Captain John A. Davenport, USN Ret. was born in Newark NJ on August 9, 1922. He was the oldest son of Major John A. Davenport, USA and Mary Davenport. Jack joined the Navy on October 15, 1942 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
He earned his wings of gold on the Great Lakes Paddlewheel Carrier USS Sable. During WWII, he flew TBMs off the USS Kasaan Bay in the Pacific.
Postwar he continued his Naval career and started his family after marrying Edna May Davenport. They had seven children. Jack had a successful career in jobs that included; commander of two squadrons (VA-152 and VA-122), Navigator on the USS Oriskany, and Navy Liaison to the US Senate.
After retirement, his family moved to Boca Raton where he became very involved in the community. His wife passed and Jack was fortunate to meet the widow, Betty Jean Qualman. Their blessed union brought together a family of 12 children. He and Betty were a dynamic duo, very active in local community politics. Jack served as a board member of the Boca Raton Aviation Authority, councilman on the Boca Raton City Council and President of the Boca Raton Federation of Homeowners.
Jack and Betty decided to retire to Lake Ashton in Lake Wales. They continued their community involvement supporting many local charities and establishing the Lake Ashton Republican Club. Jack was a proud member of the Lake Ashton Veterans Association serving as their Chaplain. CAPT Jack Davenport is survived by his wife of 35 years, Betty Jean Davenport, 9 children, 27 grandchildren and 51 great grandchildren
