After high school graduation, he was a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he trained as a bombardier and navigator during World War II. Following his military service, he graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Business Administration. He then married Una Carolyn Baker, a college classmate who had grown up in East Lansing, MI. He joined Caterpillar Tractor Co. and he and his family spent the next thirteen years living in Cuba, Argentina, Nova Scotia and Ontario, Canada.
Jim then went into business in Bristol, TN as a construction and paving contractor. In 1970 he went to work for the Caterpillar dealer, Gregory Poole Equiptment Co, in Raleigh, N.C. Following his retirement in 1983, he and his family lived in Raleigh, N.C., Tucson, AZ and then settled in Greensboro, N.C., spending summers vacationing at their cottage on Crystal Lake in northern Michigan.
Jim was a devoted husband and father and enjoyed the many hours he spent golfing, boating and playing games with family and friends. He will be remembered for his warmth, positive outlook on life and witty sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his son, Glen Allen Davidson; sisters, Jenny Lou Davidson, Christine Sullivan and Loraine Parry and brothers, Eldon, Cecil, Steve, Don and Ivan Davidson.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Una Carolyn; daughter, Maurine Griffin (Hugh); son, Ronald; daughter-in-law, Lesa; grandsons, David, Scott and Robert Griffin and Taylor Davidson; granddaughter, Janet Kivett; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Joe and Jack; sister, Jean Kerns and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to The Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st St. Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or to the charity of your choice.
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