James Davidson

James E. Davidson, 81, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Scott City, died Monday, June 15, 2015, at his home.

He was born Feb. 24, 1934, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Ralph C. and Raye Marie Ryan Davidson Sr. He and Joan Pribble were married in 1958. He later married Glenda Steele in 1983. She preceded him in death in 2007.

James was an engineer with Cotton Belt Railroad 36 years. After retirement, he was a fishing guide at Sardis Lake in Mississippi.

He graduated from Illmo-Fornfelt High School in 1952 where he played football and basketball. He attended Southeast Missouri State University.

James was a helicopter mechanic with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He hunted deer, elk and prairie dogs in Colorado and Wyoming more than 30 years. He was awarded the Triple Trophy Hunting award several times in Arkansas. He spent many hunting seasons at his property in Warm Springs, Arkansas, which he and his grandsons named Whippoorwill Ridge. He owned and had a great love for his many horses.

Survivors include two sons, Jamie (Penny) Davidson of Scott City and Greg (Becky) Davidson of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Melinda (John) Dodd of Cape Girardeau; eight grandchildren, James Paul (Trisha) Davidson of Jackson, Jesse (fiancee Danielle Kershaw) Davidson of Cape Girardeau, Moriah and Levi Davidson of Scott City, Tatum Dodd of Oxford, Mississippi, Riley Dodd, Mollie Davidson and Connor Davidson, all of Cape Girardeau; five great-grandchildren, Brayden, Raelyn, Ellie Jo and Avery Davidson and Dylan Kershaw; and two sisters-in-law, Peggy (Bob) McMillon and Carol (Wayne) Gray.

He also is survived by Glenda's children, Byron (Jackie) Blanchard and Wendy (Jimmy) Chambers; and Glenda's four grandchildren, J.R., Jake and Julie Chambers and Mica Blanchard.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a brother, Ralph C. "Sonny" Davidson Jr.; a sister, Jane Davidson Hart; and a niece, Amy Davidson.

Memorial visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday at Amick-Burnett Chapel in Scott City.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the chapel, with the Rev. Bob McMillon officiating. Military honors will be conducted.

Our family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Carlos Robles and Dr. Scott Taylor and their staff for the care and compassion they gave our father. We would also like to give a special thank you to Megan Steimle, staff and residents of Capetown Independent Living for their care and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cotton Belt Employees, c/o The Bank of Missouri, for upgrades to the Cotton Belt Caboose or Scott City Historical Museum, c/o City of Scott City for the Railroad Room.

Online condolences may be shared at amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.