James Ashby Daniels Jr.

James Ashby Daniels, Jr.

Peninsula - James Ashby Daniels, Jr., died 21 September, 2014, while holding the hand of his wife of 62 years, Miriam White Daniels. He passed peacefully at his home on Pates Neck in Toano, Virginia, just the way he wanted. Jim lived a very colorful life providing numerous stories and "Jimmyisms" as a part of his legacy to his adoring family and friends. He ran track at Newport News High School, attended the University of Alabama, and proudly served his country as a Marine. He never got over being a Marine and employed that training in raising his son and daughter. He considered the other branches of service as transportation services for the Marine Corps.

Jim worked for Gulf Oil most of his career and retired from Chevron. He loved his job. Love and loyalty were his mark. He loved his family most of all. He loved the woods, the marsh, and the wildlife, and he loved to identify problems for his family and friends while often offering a solution.

Jim had a love for dogs and horses and was a Master of Hounds for the Princess Anne Hunt. Not many things gave him more pleasure than hearing hounds in cry, hearing a dog tree or seeing a bird dog at point. He loved to drink whiskey, smoke a cigar, chew tobacco, and offer suggestions on how Politicians could improve this country. He loved to run his old Farmall Tractor, smell the smoke of a hickory fire, and watch a trio of mallard's pitching in just as the sky was lit with red, orange, turquoise, and yellow at sunset.

Jim Daniels would always greet his family and close friends with a hug and a kiss. He was never shy about that. He never wanted the family to doubt his love for them and none of them did. Regardless of difference in opinions and arguments, his love was still evident. Despite his achievements, his legacy will be his tight hug and his kiss and his firm handshake. No achievement could ever top that. He will be so badly missed.

Jimmy Daniels leaves many memories to his wife, Miriam White Daniels; son, Scott Daniels; his daughter, Susan McNamara; nephews, Robert and Steve Daniels; grandchildren, Courtney Livesay, John Ashby Daniels, Shelton Daniels, Elizabeth McNamara; great-grandchildren, Hailey and Ashton Livesay, Teagan Daniels, and Emory Daniels. Respective spouses, Debi Daniels, Jack McNamara, Karen Daniels, Martha Daniels, Brad Livesay, Beth Daniels, and Jennifer Daniels.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, 25 September, from 5-7 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. The service will be Friday, 26 September, at 11:00 a.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family requests that any donations be submitted to and for the James City County Volunteer Fire and Rescue who has served the county and the family so well. If not, let me tell you what your problem is.