Jim Davidson

James Edward "Jim" Davidson, 81, of Statesville, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, May 7, 2011, following several years of declining health. Born March 25, 1930 in Iredell County, Mr. Davidson was the son of the late Roy Austin and Berta Rosemond Davidson. He was a graduate of Celeste Hinkel High School and served as a sergeant with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he began a roofing business, ultimately teaching a brother and several nephews the trade by which they later launched successful careers of their own. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and in August of 1957, Mr. Davidson married Gladys Kyles Davidson. This was the first marriage in the St. John's Lutheran Church current location. In addition to his wife of 54 years, Gladys Kyles Davidson, he is also survived by one daughter, Catharine Davidson of Statesville and one son, Mark Davidson (Laura) of Raleigh, N.C. along with two grandchildren, Will and Katie Davidson, also of Raleigh. He is also survived by three sisters, Dottie LeClair, Wanda Isenhour, and Mildred Campbell along with three brothers, Bob Davidson, Max Davidson, and Frank Davidson, all of Statesville. He is further survived by a sister-in-law, Margaret Kyles Eckley of Statesville and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim loved gardening and never met a stranger. All children loved him. He will be remembered for his kind and generous heart. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 10, 2011 in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:00 until 7:30 pm Monday evening at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery. The family will be assembled other times at his daughter's home, 204 S. Green St. (between Broad and Front Street) in Statesville. Memorials can be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 740 North Center Street, Statesville, NC 28677 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, N.C. 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Jim Davidson.