Bob Davis, longtime voice of the Jayhawks, dies at the age of 80

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - Longtime voice of the Kansas Jayhawks Bob Davis has died at the age of 80.

Davis died Thursday, a week after his wife, Linda, died in Lawrence. According to KU, Bob and Linda were married for 53 years.

He began his career at KU in 1984 and retired from calling Jayhawk games in 2016.

“Bob Davis is synonymous with Kansas Athletics for generations of fans who grew up listening to his calls of some of the most important moments in KU history,” athletic director Travis Goff said in a release from KU. “Bob’s love and passion of the Jayhawks shined through during the broadcast with his beloved radio partners.”

During his career, Davis called eight KU trips to the Final Four -- including the 1988 and 2008 national championship wins for the Jayhawks.

“We lost a legend in Bob Davis, who was the voice of the Jayhawks for decades,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “Bob was not only superior at his craft, but he was also a terrific, humble and unselfish person that gave so much of himself to so many.”

Davis was born in Iola, Kansas, and grew up in Topeka. He graduated from Topeka West High School in 1962 and graduated from Washburn University in 1967.

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He began his broadcasting career calling American Legion baseball in 1968 and was the play-by-play voice of Fort Hays State University until 1984.

Along with his role with KU, Davis called six NCAA women’s basketball Final Fours for CBS Radio and games on television and radio for the Kansas City Royals for 16 years.

“We remember our dear friend who never stopped being a fan and welcomed so many to join him,” the Royals said in a tribute on social media.

Davis was named the Kansas Sportscaster of the Year 14 times, most recently in 2015, and was named to six different Hall of Fames.

“Bob Davis was a fantastic announcer and loved KU,” said former KU coach Roy Williams. “I was a new coach and he helped me immensely. He set the bar for all those I worked with later. He is a KU giant.”

When the Jayhawks basketball team was playing well, Davis would often say the “Hawks are cooking.” They often were cooking with him on the call. On big made jump shots, he also would punctuate them with his iconic “Swish!” call.

“I will always cherish my time spent with Bob,” said KU men’s basketball color analyst Greg Gurley. “He made a difficult job appear to be so easy and natural. It was an honor and a privilege to work with him. His effortless delivery and wit is what made him special. He was such an important influence on my life as player, broadcaster, and man. We have lost an iconic Jayhawk. Luckily, all Jayhawk fans can still hear his signature calls forever.”

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