James Davidson 

After living a wonderful life, filled with love of family and friends, where every opportunity to  make the world a better place was taken, James Davidson, beloved husband, brother, uncle,  father and grandfather, left us for his next great adventure on March 28 at the age of 79. He  was preceded in death by his parents Norma Lawson, Robert Lawson, and his brother Oakly  Davidson. He is survived by his loving wife, Julie Davidson, brothers Dennis Davidson, David  Lawson, Scott Lawson; the next generation: Joe Shaver, Aimee Shaver, Susanne Quagliata,  Andrew Quagliata; grandchildren: Avery Shaver, Thalia Shaver, Grace Quagliata, and Sloan  Quagliata, and many nieces and nephews.  

Jim was born in Dearborn, Michigan and grew up in the Niagara Falls/Pekin area. He attended  Geneseo University and upon graduation served in the US Army. When he returned from  active duty, he began his amazing 35 year science teaching career at Rush Henrietta High  School, teaching physics and chemistry. Jim’s gift was instilling his passion for learning and  love of physics in his students. He had a profound impact on many students and after retiring,  he served as a mentor for science student teachers at the University of Rochester. One of his  greatest joys after retiring was his frequent ‘chance encounters’ wherever he went with a  “former student” who greeted him with, “Hi, Mr. D.” Now on their own with a successful career  and family, saying, “you changed my life, thank you.” 

Jim was a man of abundant enthusiasm for his family, his friends, and his career. He loved  hunting and fishing with his friends, family and golfing with his many loving friends at Wildwood  Country Club. 

Most of all, he was a devoted family man. He found being a ‘Baba’ to be the light of his life.  He enjoyed nothing more than doing science experiments with his grandchildren and going to  their music and dance recitals, soccer games, family gatherings, and family vacations. 

His gift to all of us was his love, his laugh, and never faltering joy in spending time with family.  He will be deeply missed, but we know he will always be with us in our hearts. 

Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to Serenity House of Victor, Victor, NY or Victor/ Farmington Volunteer Ambulance Corp, Victor, NY. 

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Jim’s life held at Wildwood Country Club, Rush, NY on May 5 from 1:00-3:00.


Comments

11 responses to “Davidson, James”

  1. GENEVIEVE MANCUSO Avatar
    GENEVIEVE MANCUSO

    Our thoughts & prayers are with his family
    Gen Mancuso Den Lopresto

  2. Nancy Delameter Avatar
    Nancy Delameter

    Julie,Susanne,Joe and families

    Jim will be remembered with much love. His infectious smile and sense of humor will be missed.
    Thinking of you all during this sad time.
    Love and prayers
    Nancy Delameter

  3. Harlan Brody Avatar
    Harlan Brody

    I am so grateful to have known Mr. D. he was one of the most gifted teachers I have ever had. I will always remember him with fondness and admiration. A great loss-but his teachings will live on forever.

    “Stop and smell the roses! “ -Mr. D

    In sympathy,
    Harlan

  4. Glen Barclay Avatar
    Glen Barclay

    Marie and I just found out about Jim’s passing. He certainly was a character and I always kiddingly referred to him as “chicken legs” as his legs were like toothpicks.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you Julie as well as to the rest of the families.
    God bless.

  5. Gregory Sweet Avatar
    Gregory Sweet

    I’ve known Jimmy, and we’ve been friends for about 35 years. We met on the driving range at Wildwood. I think I remember at least 3 convertible Porsches in that time…all red! We hung out together, golfed more rounds than most, caught a Bills game, fished for bass via canoe..(he always caught the biggest)… and hit the woods a few times hunting. He was great fun to just be around as we had similar interests in life.

    Jim and Julie joined us many times for date night and chit-chat. His favorite gourmet meal was pizza! Jim was always super friendly and always had time for his physics graduates when he would meet them around town or on the golf course. He really cared for his students both in high school and after graduation.

    In his senior years Jim was very tied to his grandchildren and use to talk about them all the time, I could tell he loved them dearly. ….That treehouse wasn’t an easy build.

    Jim will be missed……..love and prayers to the family.

    Greg & Claudia

  6. S. Wirt Avatar
    S. Wirt

    ‘Mr. D Sir’ truly had a profound impact on the arc of my life. His palpable passion for physics rubbed off on me and lead me to a career in teaching physics in exemplary ways as he had done. I can’t think of anyone other than my own brother who had a greater impact instilling a love a science in me that lead me to who I am now. Well done Jim. I am so sad to see you go

  7. Debbie Affeldt Avatar
    Debbie Affeldt

    To Julie and Family,

    I truly remember Jim as the definition of “he was a gentleman and a scholar” look it up his picture will be there!

    Love,
    Debbie

  8. Pat Palmer Avatar
    Pat Palmer

    I am so thankful to have seen Jim for a catch up chat at last year’s HS reunion. Had not seen him in 60+ years. It was wonderful to see what a good person he had grown into.

    I am sad for his family, but glad they had him for a dad, grandfather, husband, brother and friend.

    Love, Pat

  9. Don Wadsworth Avatar
    Don Wadsworth

    Dear Julie,
    Your beloved husband Jim was a wonderful friend and a beautiful soul who touched the lives of all who knew him. We know that no words can express how sorry we are for your loss. I will always cherish the memories I have of Jim and time spent with him during our years as classmates at Niagara Wheatfield High School and visits with him at our Class of 62 Reunions. May the love of family and friends bring you and your family all comfort and peace during this difficult time. We send you our love and will keep Jim and you in our thoughts and prayers. Bless You All, Don & Diane Wadsworth

  10. Marybeth Barber (Poletta) Avatar
    Marybeth Barber (Poletta)

    Hard to find enough words to say what an amazing teacher/man he was. I had him for Chemistry. It was that year that we had 3 of our fellow students die in a horrible car crash. One of them happened to be my chemistry partner Steve Magin. It was very difficult for me to come in and sit at our desk without Steve. Mr. Davidson just came over and put his hand on my back as I placed my head on the desk and sobbed. He didn’t need to say a word. I knew he was there for us. Thank you Mr. D for ALWAYS being there❤️. You will be missed and I’ll always remember you❤️

  11. Peter Rosella, MD Avatar
    Peter Rosella, MD

    When I think about the best teachers, you know the ones that inspired you to reach for the stars, Mr. D makes the list. He fostered my passion for physics, and taught me some golf along the way. But my favorite memories revolve around him coming and pulling me out of English class every so often to go for a joy ride in his Porsche. He knew I was a car guy and not a Shakespeare guy. Many years later, on my way home from work, I pulled up to a light. My roof was open and windows down. I noticed a red 944 next to me, and it made me wonder what Mr. D was up to. In that moment I heard “Pete Rosella is that you? Nice car. Wanna race?” In fact it was Mr. D in the red 944 next to me. We chatted a bit through our windows as we waited in traffic. Whenever I see a Porsche 944, I always think of Mr. D, our joyrides, that moment in traffic, and what a wonderful person he was…