James Arthur "Jim" Danahey Jr.

1945 - 2014

James "Jim" Arthur Danahey Jr., 68, left this world on the wings of angels Monday, March 31, 2014, after an heroic 12-year battle with cancer. Celebration of life: Family and friends will gather to remember him at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at White's Chapel United Methodist Church, 185 White Chapel Blvd., Southlake. Interment: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 10, in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations that would honor his love for golf and animals. Donations can be made online or by mail to The First Tee of Fort Worth, Box 4767, Fort Worth, Texas 76164; or SPCA of Texas, Attention: Development, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas, Texas 75212. Jim was born July 21, 1945, in Arlington, Va., to James Arthur Danahey and Dorothy Tinker Danahey. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pa., graduating from Baldwin High School in 1963. He went on to graduate from his beloved University of Virginia in 1967 and remained surrounded throughout his life by his Phi Sigma Kappa brothers. Jim married his "one love," Jill, on June 8, 1968. He honorably served in the United States Air Force as a pilot, instructing students in the T-37. He went on to fly the C-130 in Vietnam where he received several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon his return to the United States, his daughter, Meghan, and son, Casey, were born. Jim loved to coach them in sports and life. He was their biggest fan. Jim transitioned his esteemed military flying career into over 32 years at American Airlines. He was a respected pilot, a mentor, an instructor, a union representative and a fleet supervisor of training for the 777, where he developed innovative education programs. He loved to teach and spent five years after his retirement from American as an instructor for Boeing. An accomplished musician, Jim loved to play the guitar and sing Irish songs. He enjoyed traveling the world with Jill and friends. His favorite trips included Australia and Spain, golf with Meghan in Ireland and golf with Casey in Scotland. While Jim was a scratch golfer, he never got his hole in one. His greatest legacy is his first grandson, Finn James, born May 2, 2013. Jim was a devoted husband, a doting dad and granddad and a loving friend. He will be remembered for his quick wit and his caring heart. Jim was an inspiration to so many people throughout his life and career. Survivors: Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Jill; daughter, Meghan and husband, Marcus Hodge; son, Casey Danahey and wife, Marcie; grandson, Finn; brother, David Danahey and wife, Mary Belle; brother-in-law, Dan McNery and wife, Donna; nieces and their families; and many dear friends.