Jim was born in Salisbury, N.C. to Ruby Bunting Daniel and James ‘Russell’ Daniel, Sr. Jim served in the U.S. Army for over 12 years, during which he received both a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. Part his active duty was served during the Vietnam War at Kagnew Station in Asmara, Eritrea (Ethiopia) where he worked in Army communications. Jim eventually ended up stationed in Two Rock, CA, and fell in love with Northern California, which he ultimately considered his home.

After the Army, Jim attended and graduated from Sonoma State College. After graduating from Sonoma State, he began a career as a programmer with Kaiser Engineers in Oakland, CA. During his time with Kaiser, he worked for a subsidiary, Raymond Engineers in Perth, Australia for three years, and Houston, TX for a year, before returning to Northern California.

Jim loved the arts, and enjoyed dabbling in various mediums. He loved reading books, listening to music and watching movies. He also enjoyed cooking and playing tennis and golf.

Jim is survived by his two children, Tricia Reichert of San Leandro, her husband Fred and Brett Daniel of Windsor, his wife Rachel and his grandchildren, Sara and Carter Daniel and Rhea and Jared Reichert. As well as his niece Monica Kramer and nephew Christopher Daniel and their spouses and children, and his cousin Katie Nash Leydic. He is preceded in death by his parents Ruby and Russell, and his brother Thomas as well as his aunts Grace and Mary and Uncle Thomas.

Jim will be laid to rest at California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, CA during a private family service. Donations in his honor can be made to Senior Helpers of Santa Rosa, who help provide support to Veterans in Northern California.

The family would like to thank all those who helped care for Jim during his final years in Santa Rosa: his neighbors at Santa Rosa Village, the staff at Sutter, Kaiser and the VA, as well as Senior Helpers and Hospice. Your support has been greatly appreciated by Jim’s family.