James Riley Daniels

1929 - 2020

James Riley Daniels

James Riley Daniels, age 91, went to heaven on November 25, 2020. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 1, 1929 to Reverend Perry Daniels and Florence Daniels. He was the eldest of three children. His father was a Presbyterian Minister who received a call to the Assyrian Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. Jim therefore moved to San Francisco, CA, with his family in 1938. He married his first wife, Pat, at his Mother's home in San Francisco.

He attended Lowell High School and graduated from the University of Maryland. He later received a Master's Degree from George Washington University. He served in the Korean War as well as the Vietnam War. His awards included the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal and the Army Commendation Medal in addition to various other service medals. During his Army Service, he was nicknamed "Jack Daniels", and it stuck with him throughout his career. He did not drink Jack Daniels, but when he did drink, it was Bushmill's Irish Whiskey. He then went to work for the City of San Jose until his retirement as Director of General Services in 1992. His first wife, Pat, passed away in 1992. He later married his second wife, Judy. In their early retirement years, they traveled and took tours principally in Canada. They then took numerous self-guided tours throughout the U.S. They became inseparable! Jim was an avid golfer and member of the Riverview Golf and Country Club. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge for over 61 years.

After 2010 Jim experienced numerous health issues but overcame most of them. He is survived by his wife Judy of 27-1/2 years, his brother Pera, his daughter Michelle and her husband Hank, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Services will be held in the Spring of 2021 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Redding, CA, followed by a military burial at the Veteran's Cemetery in Igo, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorable contributions may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church or charity of your choice.