Obituary of James Edward Davidson

On Saturday night August 14, 2021, heaven gained an expert firefighter, James Edward “Ikey” Davidson. He was born on September 21, 1954 to the late Samuel Edward and Lelia Mae Lawson Davidson. He was preceded in death by a sister Debora Davidson Richardson. For nearly the past 50 years, Ikey served not only Wytheville and Wythe County, but many communities in Southwest Virginia for Fire and Emergency Response. He worked as a dispatcher, and then served on the Wytheville Volunteer Fire Department and held many positions. He was most proud to serve as Deputy Chief and then, Chief. He served as a member of the International Society of Fire Instructors, the Southwest Virginia Fireman’s Association, and the Wythe County Local Emergency Planning Committee. He was the President of the Wythe County Fire Association and served Wythe County as Emergency Services Manager prior to becoming the Emergency Response Manager for Thompson and Litton providing service to East River and Big Walker Mountain Tunnel System. Ikey served as Fire and Hazmat Instructor for the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Fire Programs teaching classes in all areas of emergency response. Survivors include his wife of 30 years this coming Christmas, Lisa Copenhaver Davidson; daughters, Sabrina Davidson and Sara Beth Davidson; his brother, Sam and Kathy Davidson of Bland; his sisters, Peggy Thompson of Salisbury, NC; Zona and John Jones of Wytheville; Doris and Curby Perkins of Shawsville; and Mary Jo and Gary Poole of Wytheville. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. Funeral service will be held 7 P.M. Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the Grubb Funeral Home with The Reverend Aubrey Whitlow officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 4 to 7 P.M. at the funeral home. Graveside service will be held Sunday at 2 P.M. at King’s Grove Cemetery in Crockett, VA. Memorials may be made to King’s Grove Cemetery Endowment Inc c/o Ann King, 799 Kings Grove Lane, Crockett, Virginia 24323. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com The Davidson family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA.