John Sam Davidson

John S. “Sam” Davidson, 74, of Springfield and formerly of Jacksonville, passed away on Tuesday December 23, 2014, at St. Joseph’s Home following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on September 27, 1940, in a two room log cabin near Burkesville, Kentucky, to Roy E. and Goldie Becker Davidson. Sam’s family moved to Illinois for a better life when he was small and he was raised in the farming communities of Greene and Scott counties receiving much of his formal education in country schools. He married Doris Jean Akers from Winchester, Illinois, on June 4, 1962, in Harrison, Arkansas, and she survives.

Sam is also survived by his son Robert S. Davidson of Springfield, sister Marcella (Don) Havlin of White Hall, mother-in-law Myrtle I. Akers of Brighton, sister-in-law Phyllis A. Havens of Springfield, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara S. and Vernon L. Davis of Brighton, one niece, several nephews, great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Roy, sister-in-law Bonnie, nephew Mark and father-in-law James A. Akers.

Mr. Davidson retired in 2002 from the State of Illinois as a Stationary Engineer. Previously he had served as Assistant Superintendent of Utilities in Jacksonville. He especially loved his years of employment with Freesen Brothers Construction of Bluffs as a teamster and heavy equipment operator. He was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399, 7, and 520 as well as Teamsters Local 916, and Sam held a variety of leadership roles during his years with IUOE Local 399 and 7. Sam was certified by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency as a Sewage Treatment Plant Operator and Universal HVAC Technician.

Sam was a member of the Jacksonville Community Christian Church, St. Paul Masonic Lodge #500 AF & AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Springfield, Ansar Shrine, and he was a former member of the Elks, Eagles and Moose Lodges.

When his son was small he served as an Assistant Coach of a youth soccer team, Assistant Cub Scout Leader with Jacksonville Cub Scout Pack 101, Assistant Coach for the Elks Little League, and served with his son as a father/son umpire team.

Sam’s family wishes to express a thank you to all those who helped him along his journey with Alzheimer’s disease which would include his family, close friends, and physicians: Dr. Michael Brewer of Springfield Clinic and Dr. Thomas Ala of the Alzheimer’s Clinic at SIU School of Medicine. Mick Wanless, the staff, and clientele of Westwoods Lodge played an important role in keeping Sam at home as long as possible. More recently, Sam has been the recipient of the loving care of the Sisters and staff of St. Joseph’s Home.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road. The family will meet friends from 12 noon until the time of funeral service at Bisch West. A reception for all family and family friends will be held at Westwoods Lodge, 2406 West Jefferson, immediately following the service. A private burial service will be held at Farmington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2309 West White Oaks Drive, Springfield, IL. 62704, and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.