Timothy John Danielson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Timothy John Danielson, affectionately called T.J. by his loved ones, on February 4, 2025, in Athens, Texas after a long and fulfilling life dedicated to family, music, traveling and teaching.
Tim was born on December 28, 1939, in Superior, Wisconsin to Hjalmer and Jeannette Danielson. The family moved to Durant, Oklahoma from their beloved Rice Lake, WS so that Hjalmer, Tim's father, might begin work on the Denison Dam intake project. As the middle son, T.J. grew up with a deep love for music, a passion that he carried with him throughout his entire life. A graduate of Southeastern State University with a degree in music and art, he taught young musicians for many years at both the high school level as well as at the university level. He made life-long friendships at Trinity Valley Community College. Teaching young students in Oklahoma, Idaho, and Texas dominated much of Tim's early professional life. In addition, Tim led many church choirs and musicals and served on various musical boards throughout his life. He sang with both the Houston Opera and the Dallas Opera. And his drives to attend Opera in the Ozarks board meetings were always special and allowed him time with musician friends from all over the country. As a young man, Tim developed a talent for tuning pianos, a craft he pursued for over 40 years. Tim's love of music was all encompassing. It was a core part of his identity.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Tim had a deep commitment to preserving the history of his family. An avid genealogist, he spent years documenting and photographing the Danielson and Christianson family lineage. His detailed records and stories were a treasure for his relatives, helping them connect with their roots and learn about their ancestors in a way that was meaningful and lasting. His annual Christmas mailings were always filled with stories and tales of Christmas past that highlighted various people in both his parent's extended family - many still living in Sweden and Norway. Tim's love of travel and history was almost as important as his love of music. Whether it was a road trip across the United States or a trip to visit one of the Scandinavian countries from which his family came, he was always ready to explore and learn.
Tim loved old cars, especially his '49 Chrysler, beautiful music, photographs, writing letters, and art work of any kind. He will be missed by those closest to him and the many students that he served over the years. Tim is survived by many cousins, sister-in-laws, Carolyn Danielson of Ada, OK, Amy Danielson of Filer, Idaho, Carolyn Amis Danielson of Lincoln, CA, nephews, Hjalmer and Nathan Danielson of California, Jeremy Danielson of Ada, OK, and Amy Lawson of Norman, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hjlamer and Jeannette Danielson as well as both of his brothers, Rip Danielson, and Jerry Danielson.
A celebration of Tim's life will be held on February 13th at Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church in Cedar Creek Texas at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church Choir and Organ Fund.