James Alvin Davidson

James Alvin Davidson, aka “Spider” to his Logan Wildcats family, passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2021. He succumbed to a heart attack after recently celebrating his 75th birthday and winning a hard-fought victory over cancer during the pandemic. To his last day, Jim was a fierce competitor against every adversary. A naturally gifted athlete, James Davidson was born on July 14, 1946, and raised in Logan, WV. For his hometown and the Logan High School Wildcats he so loved, he set a multitude of basketball and track and field records that stood for decades. Starting his college career at Concord College, he transferred and walked-on to Marshall University’s basketball team, where he became an integral part of the legendary, “Iron Man 5.” The Iron Man 5’s two consecutive national playoff runs ended with games in Madison Square Garden. He graduated from Marshall in August of 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching. Jim put his degree to good use, teaching special needs high school students in the Logan and Toledo school systems until retirement. His love for sports led him to coach many school athletic teams throughout his teaching career. In his fifties, he became a competitive bowler, competing in and winning many tournaments with his teams. He also during this season of life gave his life to Christ and became a very active and dedicated member of his church in Logan until the time of his death. James Alvin Davidson is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Essie Mae (Williams) Davidson; his sister Laura Patricia Ann (Pearson) Alexander; his brothers: Burley Lee Pearson, and Napoleon Davidson; and tragically, two great-grandchildren: grandson Korbyn Rayshawn Leonard, and granddaughter Aj Mentola Goldie. He is survived by his two daughters Jamie (Davidson) Hill, and Shondra Davidson; four grandsons: Jim Goldie II, Dakota Leonard, Mackenzie Davidson, and Christian Davidson; and two great grandchildren: Tremaine and Zaniyah Goldie. Due to Covid, James’ daughters have decided to postpone the Celebration of Life Memorial Service until it is safer for all who want to join us in honoring his life. The date will be announced at sometime within the next 12 months. Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Akers-James Funeral Home, Logan, WV.