James Davidson of Hope, KS passed away on October 4, 2023 at the age of 70 after being diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer.
Jamie was born on September 20, 1953 to Lowell and Laverne Davidson. He grew up on a small farm a few miles northwest of Hope along with five of his brothers and sisters. Growing up, Jamie loved playing sports and hunting pheasant or quail with his older brothers, Charles and Arthur. After graduating from Hope High School in 1971, James attended a semester at Salina vocational school and then went on to pursue a major in journalism at Kansas State University. After college, Jamie traveled the country working at different construction sites and became very skilled at framing. He returned home to help out while his dad successfully battled cancer and it was then that he rediscovered his love of farming. Jamie's favorite time of year was wheat harvest - he loved driving the combine and would keep at it well after sunset. James met his future wife, Sheryl, on the farm and they were married shortly after in September 1989 and raised four children together. After being diagnosed with Parkinsons in his early 50s, Jamie continued farming and driving his combine well into his 60s and always had energy to play a round of catch football with his youngest nephew, Dalton.
James is survived by the mother of his children, Sheryl, their four children- Sherese, Keith, Kimberly and Michele, as well as his grandson, Finnley, and his older brother, Arthur, younger sister, Nancy, and youngest brother, Dale, plus several nieces and nephews.James is preceded in death by both his parents, older brother Charles, and younger sister Anne.
A memorial service will be held on November 19, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. at Abilene First Christian Church with Pastor Jason Kohler officiating. Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.