[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 168 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO JAMES FLEMING DAVIDSON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 4, 2011

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
James Fleming Davidson, Jr. who passed away peacefully on his 86th 
birthday. James was a pillar of the community in Riverside, California 
and he will be deeply missed.
  Jim was born on October 26, 1925, the son of James F. Davidson, Sr. 
and Irene Reid. He attended Magnolia Elementary, Central Middle School, 
and Poly High School. At 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy and 
served on a destroyer escort during World War II.
  After the war, Jim enrolled at the University of California at 
Berkeley where he received a Bachelor of Science degree and was a 
member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. Upon graduation he returned to 
his native Riverside and joined his father in the prominent local Civil 
Engineering firm of J.F. Davidson Associates. The firm later grew to 
include five offices and three hundred employees. He also oversaw the 
expansion of Riverside Blueprint and founded R.B. Graphics and Prefect 
Impressions, as well as many other successful business ventures 
including J.F. Davidson Investments. He faithfully went to the office 
until weeks before his passing.
  In addition to his professional accomplishments, James was a citrus 
grower, avid gardener and sports fan. Jim loved the ocean and spent 
many happy hours deep sea fishing. He demonstrated his leadership in 
the community and served as President of the Riverside Rotary Club, 
Riverside Chamber of Commerce, and the Riverside Community College 
Foundation. In addition, he was Chair of the Cancer Society Great 
American Smoke Out and numerous other boards and organizations.
  James is survived by his wife of 22 years, Gerri Bredemann Davidson, 
and her sons; Michael and William Bredemann. Jim's children, 
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren include; Charlotte Davidson 
(Tony Adler) of Los Angeles, her children; Caroline Dehe (Dr. Saahil 
Mahta) and Jim's first great-granddaughter; Uma Elvetia Mehta, of 
London, England, and James Dehe (Karen DeSouza) of Bombay, India; Ian 
James Davidson, Liam Davidson of Riverside; Hannah Davidson of 
Portland, Oregon, and Sarah Davidson-Amici (Robert Amici), Dario and 
Caterina Amici of Riverside; his first wife, Gretchen Holstein 
Davidson, his sister Eileen Shamel, and many nieces and nephews. He is 
preceded in death by his parents and his sister Charlotte Davidson 
Nickel.
  On Saturday, November 5, 2011, a memorial service celebrating James' 
extraordinary life will be held at the first Congregational Church in 
Riverside. James will always be remembered for his incredible work 
ethic, generosity, and love of family. His dedication to his work, 
family and community are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy 
that will continue. I extend my condolences to James' family and 
friends; although James may be gone, the light and goodness he brought 
to the world remain and will never be forgotten.

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