Danny Cheek

1956 - 2019

Danny Cheek

Memphis, TN

Age 62, James Dan Cheek passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Tuesday, February 19, 2019.

Rogue and rascal, his impish smile and self-deprecating humor melted ladies' hearts. Among his many friends, the front patio of his home was their social nexus, the daily gathering place. He kept them laughing until late in the evening. No need to call, just come over.

His work as a millwright took him across the country installing heavy machinery, including a nuclear containment vessel at the Superconducting Super Collider at Waxahachie, Texas; conveyor systems at UPS' massive European hub in Cologne, Germany, a four-year job; plus Nike, FedEx and Cargill in Memphis and many other places. He worked as a millwright for Buckeye Cellulose Corp. in Memphis for almost a decade.

His greatest joy was spending summers sailing on Lake Michigan. He felt most alive when the water was rough and the weather rougher. Fellow boat owners curried his favor . . . boats break, and he could fix anything.

His love of adventure led him to try his hand at scuba diving, piloting ultralight aircraft, fast cars, motorcycles, skydiving and snow skiing from Whistler to Innsbruck. He saw the U.S. from Key West to San Diego to Seattle to Alaska.

His fellow blue collar co-workers teased him mercilessly when he bought a Maserati; it was out of place in a sea of giant pickup trucks. A terrible mistake, it broke if you looked at it hard, then took three months to get the parts from Italy.

He had his own trivia team at his favorite bar, The Flying Saucer in downtown Memphis.

He had a collision with a streetcar in downtown Cologne; he'd smirk and assure you that it pulled right out in front of him.

He loved competing in the Memphis in May Barbecue Contest. When he worked overseas, he had it written into his contract that his employer had to bring him back to Memphis every May.

He was born on September 4, 1956, and attended Sherwood Elem., Sherwood Jr. High and Overton High School. He is survived by his sister Dale Cheek (Cullen Johnson) of Florence, KY, and his brothers Don Cheek of Memphis, Kirk Sisk (Renee) of Falkner, MS, Andy Cheek of San Diego, CA, Patrick Cheek (Julia) of Royse City, TX, and Howie Cheek (Ellen), of Scottsdale, AZ.

There will be an open house for all family and friends at the home of Joyce Ann Lariviere, 1284 Arbor Lake Dr. N., Horn Lake, MS, from 2pm-5pm on March 17th; St. Patrick's Day is ideal for celebrating his life.

He will be missed.