James Arland Davidson

September 28, 1936 - June 26, 2014

James Arland “Jim” Davidson, 77, of New Castle, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2014 at Glen Oaks Health Campus. He was born September 28, 1936 in New Castle, a son of the late Elmer A. and Lucille (Lunsford) Davidson. Jim was a 1954 graduate of New Castle High School. He retired in 1997 from Chrysler Corporation in New Castle after 33 years of service in the skilled trades. A gifted sculptor and woodcarver, he was a member of the Art Association of Henry County and also enjoyed making jewelry. Jim enjoyed photography and was a photographer for the Associated Press (AP) covering the Indianapolis 500 for 50 years and was a member of the Old Timers Organization at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for over 20 years. Jim was a life time member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association and he also enjoyed building pistols and making Scrimshaw powder horns for them. Jim was also a veteran, serving his country in the United States Army. He is survived by his wife, Myra; his children, James Scott Davidson of Lafayette, Timothy Brian Davidson of Greenfield and Alana Beth Davidson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two grandchildren, Karissa Davidson and Kaley Davidson; a brother, John (wife: Pam) Davidson of New Castle; a sister, Alice Toole of Ingalls and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2014 at Sproles Family Funeral Home with Rev. Tom McGilliard officiating. Friends may call from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be offered to the Cancer Society of Henry County and the American Heart Association. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Jim Davidson.