DAVIS K. JACKSON (1965-71) #72As part of #KCParks125, we are featuring all Park Board Commissioners in order of their service.Davis King Jackson (1912-1991) was born in Longwood, Missouri in Pettis County. King was his mother’s maiden name. His father was a Presbyterian minister.Dave graduated from the University of Missouri in 1933 with a degree in engineering and was employed as an engineer for several years. While working in Jefferson City, he met Myrtle Stewart Van Dyne; they married in late 1938. Mrs. Jackson had a daughter from a previous marriage and an additional daughter was born to the couple.When World War II began, Dave joined the Naval Reserve and was called into active duty in the Civil Engineer Corps. Toward the end of the War he met Kansas Citian Miller Nichols who was serving in the Navy. Miller encouraged Dave to come to Kansas City after the War to meet his father, real estate developer J. C. Nichols. Dave followed through and in 1946 he went to work for the J. C. Nichols Company in the Business Properties department and rose through the ranks over the years. Dave and Miller worked well together as the Nichols Company expanded developments and properties after the death of J. C. Nichols in 1950. One development was the Alameda Plaza Hotel at Wornall Road and Ward Parkway, now the Intercontinental Hotel. In 1973 Dave Jackson succeeded Miller Nichols as president of the J.C. Nichols Company. He retired from that position in 1980 and became chairman of the executive committee and an adviser to Nichols Company management until 1987. He was also chairman of the board of the Alameda Plaza Hotel Corporation from 1973 to 1989. Mr. Jackson was tall – 6 foot 4 inches.Mr. Jackson was appointed to the Board of Kansas City Park Commissioners in 1965 as President upon the sudden death of Board President Frank Theis. He had previously served on the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners and the Jackson County Capital Improvements Commission, among other city and county appointed and voluntary positions.Mr. Jackson left the Park Board in 1971. More at #KCParks Facebook page.