Jim V. Daniels

1945 - 2016

Jim V. Daniels
Apr. 16, 1945 - Oct. 20, 2016
Sacramento, formerly of Aptos, CA
Jim was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, earned a B.A. in History at Southern Illinois University in 1971, and eventually moved to and settled in Santa Cruz County in 1979, where he lived until moving to Sacramento in July, 2015.
During his adventurous youth in the early '70's, Jim traveled throughout Europe in a little TR-6. He ran with the bulls in Pamplona, laid on the floor to stare at Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, and even went to Egypt, where he rode horses across the desert and stood in awe before the pyramids and the Sphinx.
Jim became a father to Cory in April, 1988, and a very special bond was formed between them. Jim was Cory's biggest fan, encouraging his participation in Little League, football and golf. They shared a love of old cars, the 49ers, and Lake Tahoe. He was so proud when Cory graduated with a B.A. in History, and then again when Cory earned his PGA card. But never as proud as watching Cory marry Heather and become a dad to Nadja and Aiden. Jim loved being "Papa Jim" to them, attending their soccer games and having fun at the lake and in the pool. Riding cable cars in San Francisco at Christmas became a favorite Daniels tradition.
Jim met his beloved Laurie the first of December, 2001. For six weeks they had so much fun that coming out of the Christmas season they knew they wanted it to continue. They married in December, 2005 and their love grew richer and deeper with each passing year. They were quite a match, each as hardheaded and stubborn as the other, but loving and forgiving, with Jim often making Laurie laugh before an argument was half over.
Throughout the years, they went to Reno for Hot August Nights with his '64 Galaxie, became 49er season ticket-holders, and traveled to Hawaii, London, Costa Rica and Ireland. They bought a cabin at Lake Tahoe, and enjoyed skiing at Homewood, sailing his catamaran on the north shore, and motoring their "59 mahogany Chris Craft to Emerald Bay for early morning breakfast.
More than their love, Jim was amazed at the love that grew between Laurie and Cory, so much that they legally became mother and son when she adopted him in February, 2012.
Jim was larger than life, a true storyteller, who loved old things…clocks, movies, cars. He was a military historian, who could discuss the battles of the Civil War as if he had been there.
He was a gregarious salesman and dedicated to his customers. He was the big concept guy, grateful for business partners who paid attention to the details, and always trusting that things would work out for the best. In Chicago, at college, and indeed, wherever he went, Jim made life-long friends who have stayed in touch throughout the years.
Jim was also a creature of habit, attending Mass at Holy Eucharist on Sundays, Mattison Lane on Tuesday nights and Janus on Thursday nights. He went on his annual men's retreat in San Juan Bautista the first weekend in October for more than 35 years, including this year, when he drove his beautiful midnight blue '64 Pontiac Bonneville three hours from Sacramento. His true ministry was carrying the message that not taking a drink one day at a time can give you a life beyond your wildest dreams. He was also happy to tell his young men friends that "the secret to a great life is a wife with a good job."
Jim was diagnosed with a rare leukemia in October, 2015. After a valiant battle, including a stem cell transplant in May, 2016, Jim spent his last days with Laurie, Cory, Heather and niece Kate. He died with Laurie and Heather by his side on the morning of October 20, 2016. We are forever grateful for the whole team at Sutter oncology/hematology who cared for him and for us throughout his illness.
Jim is pre-deceased by his beloved mother Marilou, his father James and his sister Barbara. He is survived by his loving wife Laurie, his devoted son Cory (Heather), sister Nancy (Tom) Mahar, nieces MaryEllen and Kathleen, nephew Daniel; by brother Paul (Letty); by Barbara's son, nephew Tim; and by several cousins and second cousins who fondly called him "Uncle Jim." Laurie's family loved him as a son, brother and uncle. Being a big kid himself, Jim particularly loved being with the young people. Jim will be missed by many people who called him "friend."
A memorial Mass will be held on November 18, 2016 at 11:00 am. at Holy Eucharist Catholic Community at 527 Corralitos Road, Watsonville, CA 95076, reception immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Janus of Santa Cruz or The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society would be most appreciated.


View the online memorial for Jim V. Daniels