Raymond Elbert ?Jim? Davidson, 93

Raymond Elbert ?Jim? Davidson, 93, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008, at Prestige Assisted Living in Kalispell. He was born on May 25, 1915, in Alexander, N.D., to John W. and Lucy (Gordon) Davidson.

At a young age, Jim?s family moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he received his early education. After graduation he came out to Montana to the Bitterroot Valley and lived with his sister.

Jim joined the U.S. Army, but after a short time was medically discharged and released from Fort Pendleton, Calif.

On Dec. 24, 1941, Jim married Dorothy Virginia Wilson in Hamilton.

Jim had worked for many years as a ranch hand before moving to Spokane to work for a short time during the war. Moving back to Hamilton, Jim started building homes as an independent contractor.

Retiring at the age of 65, he continued to work in the wood trades until he was 87. Jim was a member of the Methodist-Baptist Federated Church of Hamilton, the Eagles Club, and the Montana State Fiddlers. Jim lived for his family and music and was an avid fiddler and dancer.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, and nine brothers and sisters.

He is survived by four daughters, Judy Brown and Richard of Auburn, Wash., Clara Rae Mitchell and Tim of Marion, Nancy Kair and Riley of Kalispell, and Patricia Jeffries and Gary of Loon Lake, Wash.; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and a very special friend, Mary Curtis, of Kalispell.

Memorial services for Jim are pending at this time.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to Methodist Baptist Federated Church, 211 N. Sixth Hamilton, MT 59840; Montana State Old-Time Fiddlers Association c/o Betty Pedersen, 935 Johnson Missoula, MT 59801; or Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Jim?s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Jim?s guest book.