Visitation Thurs., service Friday
Champ W. Davis, Jr., 78, recognized by Chicago Magazine as an “Illinois Super Lawyer,” died Wednesday at home in Oak Brook. Born in Springfield, Davis attended the University of Illinois, earning a BS in General Engineering and his JD at the College of Law, where he served on the Law Review and was admitted to the Order of the Coif. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
After moving to Chicago, he joined the law firm of Chadwell & Kayser, where he was a partner and head of the Litigation Group, until 1990, when he co-founded the Davis McGrath law firm. Involved with many legal issues and matters, in 2010, he was appointed Chair of the Full Hearing Board of the ARDC (Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission of the Illinois Supreme Court). For his long history of dedicated service in the Illinois Bar Association, he was recognized by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin as a “Leading Lawyer” in Illinois in the fields of commercial litigation and computer and technology law. From 1992-2012, he taught Negotiations as an adjunct professor at the Chicago-Kent College of Law, receiving accolades from the student reviews and faculty alike.
A resident of Oak Brook since 1986, he unselfishly volunteered his time, effort, and expertise. The past eight years, he served as the village’s Zoning Board Chairman. Mr. Davis is survived by his wife, Janet, and their three children, Champ III (Lisa), Craig, and Jill (Evan Brown). He is also fondly remembered by his five grandchildren: Champ IV, Clara & Lucy Davis, and Austin & Tyler Brown.
The Visitation and Memorial Service will both be held at First Congregational Church, 235 Kenilworth. The Visitation will take place on Thursday, Jan. 17 from 3-8 pm. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Jan. 18 beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Elmhurst First Congregational Church, where Champ served faithfully as a trustee and chairman of the church endowment committee. Arrangements by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Info 630-834-3515 or ahlgrim.com.
