James “Jim” M. Davidson
James “Jim” M. Davidson
Cedar Rapids
James (Jim) M. Davidson, 94, of Cedar Rapids, went to his heavenly home Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. Services: 11 a.m. Friday, at Faith Presbyterian Church, 715 38th St., Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Dennis Morey. Burial: 2 p.m. on Friday at Oakland Cemetery, Manchester, Iowa. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Teahen Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Jim is survived by his wife of 66 years, Alice Mae; son, Richard Davidson (Mark Sorenson) of Davenport; daughter Dee Ann (James) Van Hoeck of Cordova, Tenn.; grandsons, Ryan (Lindsey) Van Hoeck of Memphis, Tenn., and Kyle (Emily) Van Hoeck of Austin, Texas; great-grandson, Ford Van Hoeck of Memphis, Tenn., and sister, Dorothy Powers of Cedar Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kenneth Peterson and David Peterson.
Jim was born on April 22, 1929, the son of Maurice and Lillian Houmes Davidson in Danville, Ill. He grew up on a farm near Prairieburg, attended a two-room schoolhouse until 8th grade and graduated from Central City High School in 1947. Jim joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 and served during the Korean war until 1952. He participated in Operation Ivy at Eniwetok Atoll for the first hydrogen bomb test. Working and using the GI Bill, Jim attended Iowa State University, graduating in 1957 with a degree in engineering. He married Alice Mae Carr on June 23, 1957, in Manchester, Iowa. Jim worked as an Engineer for 30 years at Iowa Electric Light and Power Company, retiring in 1986 as Senior Vice President. He then formed Davidson & Company doing industrial utility consulting from 1986 to 2016, finally retiring for good at age 87.
Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandsons. He bought a new Lincoln (one of many) so he and Alice could travel frequently to Memphis to visit them. He loved playing sports with Ryan and Kyle and attending their games. Jim and Alice enjoyed attending Iowa basketball games for many years. He was a lifelong Yankees fan, seeing two games in New York for his 70th birthday. Jim’s hobbies included gardening and golf and he made his first hole in one at age 85! After retirement, he discovered new interests in walking their dog Fluffy and helping Alice with her computerized sewing machines. He read three daily newspapers and followed the stock market carefully. Jim had a prodigious memory, amazing his family by remembering every detail, causing Dick to refer to him as the Oracle. Jim was always kind, considerate and put others before himself. He held strong Christian beliefs and studied the bible faithfully.
Jim was a member of the Faith Presbyterian Church and the Lions Club. He previously served as President of United Way and on the Linn County Mental Health board.
Memorials may be directed to Faith Presbyterian Church, or charity of your choice.
Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.