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DANIEL JAMES Obituary
DANIEL JAMES, III Lt. Gen., USAF (Ret.)
On Tuesday August 1, 2017, son of the late Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James, Jr. and the late Dorothy Watkins James; and brother of the late Danice James-Berry. He is survived by his loving wife, Dana Marie James; devoted son, Daniel Steven James; mother-in-law, Genie Da Cruz; brother, Claude "Spuddy" James; brother- in-law, Dr. Frank W. Berry, Jr.; nieces, Jamie Michelle Berry, Brittany James-Vito and her daughter, Avalon; nephews, Captain Frank W. Berry, Ryan James, Max Berry and his wife, Patty and daughter, Lilly; cousins, Leah Sims, Michael Sims, Cecil T. Hunter, Mildred Hunter, Charlene Hunter James, Rosalind Hunter Levy, Roderick Hunter, Gloria Hunter Robinson, Anthony Scott James, Janelle James Echevarria and Leslie James Taylor; a host of other loving family members, friends, co-workers and associates. On Tuesday, August 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 23 from 9 to 11 a.m., friends are invited to call at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1500 - 9th Street N.W., where services will be held on Wednesday August 23 at 11 a.m. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Daniel Steven James Educational Trust, 8647 Richmond Highway, Suite, 272 Alexandria, VA 22309. Arrangements by McGuire. www.mcguire-services.com
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Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL JAMES
Tommy and Pamela Dyches
August 3, 2021
Dana, As a great many people surely do, we think of Danny often and with great fondness. He is a permanent fixture in our favorite and oft repeated "war stories." And yes, we still miss that smile. Best Regards to you and yours always.
Johnny Walker
August 1, 2020
Another great loss from mankind
Nancy Sonnier
July 31, 2019
Every time I think of Lakenheath I remember Danny. Never forgotten. He was a good friend.
Louis Campbell
August 23, 2017
You were more than a mentor and much more than a friend. Thank you for your love and support over the years. Rest In Peace, Sir.
August 22, 2017
Condolences to the family served with his Dad.
James Lacey, Philadelphia, Pa.
Tommy and Pamela Dyches
August 22, 2017
Dana, Pamela and I wish to convey our most sincere condolences. We can only imagine what you have been going through. We hope you will find some comfort in the certain knowledge that Danny touched a great many people in a very positive way during his life, including us. We became friends in 1976 at Nellis AFB when we were young bulletproof captains. And that friendship held fast for more than forty years. Everyone who knew him has any number of wonderful memories, but perhaps our favorite was just his smile. He always had one for us. And it was always as genuine as the man himself.
Nannete "Robin" Walker
August 22, 2017
Prayer, May God give you the peace that surpasses all understanding
Oliver Grant BSA Troop 1509
August 22, 2017
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Dana, Daniel and family at this difficult time. We know that God will grace you with comfort and peace.
Robert Jarcho
August 22, 2017
I'm saddened to hear of Danny's passing. My condolences to Spuddy on the loss of his brother. Danny had a remarkable life and a very distinguished military career. My dad and Danny's father were stationed together at RAF Bentwaters from 1960 to 1963. Hearing of Daniel's passing brought back a flood of memories of Bentwaters. Unfortunately, I have only scant memories of Danny since he was several years older than me and away at high school during that time. Spuddy was my age and a childhood friend. Danny's parents were friends of my parents. The James family was part of a very special time in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with Danny's family and with Spuddy. I hope Spuddy is well.
August 21, 2017
Our sincere and deepest condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. Please know those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one's gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they'll live on in the heart. May the God of comfort sustain you during your grieving process.
August 21, 2017
May god's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad and difficult time. Psalms 119 : 50,76 EJC. GA.
Bruce Eickhoff
August 21, 2017
To the family of Dan James, please accept my sincere sympathies for your loss. Dan was a fellow student pilot with me at Williams AFB. Near the end of our training he invited then Colonel Chappie James to address our class - an unforgettable experience. Dan was an exceptional officer and leader who will be missed.
DC-10 Training at Honolulu, HI (Continental Airlines) Matt Campbell in the Middle RIP DAN
Stevens Woodburn
August 18, 2017
One of the finest men I have ever had the honor and privilege to know and call my friend! I was one of his class mates in DC-10 School at Continental Airlines and his room mate in an apartment we rented in Houston, Tx when we commuted to work, He from San Antonio and myself from Fort Worth, Tx!
The world was a better place with him in it and he will be sorely Missed!!!
Thomas Cunningham
August 18, 2017
Danny was a dear friend to many and a special friend to me, my wife Dana and our sons. His godson, Father Curtis Cunningham, MC, celebrated a special mass for Danny the day he found out of his passing. We will miss him dearly. He was a true soldier who led the Air National Guard Bureau through a difficult transition and integrated that force into a true fighting unit during the ongoing war. God Bless Danny, Dana, Daniel, Genie and all of his family. Tom and Dana Cunningham
Robbie Nelson
August 18, 2017
Danny was a friend and treated our daughter like his daughter. We have nothing but wonderful memories with the time we spent with Danny. A great officer and a true gentleman. Rest in Peace. Our condolences to Dana and Daniel.
Steve Sammons
August 17, 2017
Thank you for your leadership, sir. GODSPEED!
John Bailey
August 15, 2017
When General James was appointed the Adjutant General
of the Texas Military Forces by then Governor George W. Bush, he brought with him hope, dignity, pride and a "can do" attitude. He was truly his father's son. He made my job easier and more rewarding; we will miss him.
Major General John H. Bailey II (Ret.) and wife Ruth
Former Commander of the Texas State Guard
Doris Daniels
August 14, 2017
My Husband, Gen Tommy Daniels and the loving and great General Daniels James III were good friends and are enjoying a great reunion in Heaven. May he rest in peace.
Dr & Mrs Thomas H Smith
August 14, 2017
When Louis notified us of this giant's passing we were saddened. Gen. James possesses a karasma no other could command. He will live forever in our hearts. We offer condolences as we know the many lives he affected.
August 14, 2017
On behalf of the General Daniel Chappie James Flight Academy, Pensacola Florida we send our deepest sympathy to the James Family. General James and I worked closely together over the last several years as the City of Pensacola and our flight academy creates a living legacy for General Chappie James with our year round program. Thank you Lt. General Danny James lll for your support, encouragement and service to our country
Respectfully,
Clifton Curtis
Academy Director
Former Navy Pilot
Bill Welser
August 13, 2017
A loss of a great mentor, husband, father, friend, and patriot! Loved working with Danny James - they just do not come any better. Have had him in our prayers for years! He will be missed by all who knew him! Godspeed Danny!!!
Harriett Bryant
August 13, 2017
My condolences to the family
Larry Spencer
August 12, 2017
Lt Gen James was a great leader, friend and role model. May he rest in peace.
Joe Sovich
August 12, 2017
Danny was a "one of a kind". He was a great aviator, leader and person. I flew in his back seat on his first F-16B ride at Luke and had the opportunity to have him over to diner at my house with my brother Jim (Danny's very close friend). He will never be forgotten.
Claiborne Haughton
August 10, 2017
To the beloved family of General Daniel James,
Linda and I are deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the passing of your divine loved one and my dear friend, General James.
He was a great American leader who served his Nation with distinction at times of war and peace. General James was also a champion of equality and justice in the Department of Defense.
Beloved family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the peace of God guide your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus at this difficult time of bereavement.
Please find comfort in knowing that he is absent from the body and present with the Lord. I pray that God will continue to bless, encourage and inspire you daily and abundantly.
Sincerely,
Pat Simpson
August 10, 2017
What a shock to learn of the passing of this great man. A legacy in his own right, General James, when he was appointed Adjutant General of Texas by, then, Governor George W. Bush, nominated me for USPFO for Texas. An Army officer myself, I served with him and Dana and Genie, until his appointment to Chief Air National Guard at the NGB in Washington. I learned many things from Gen James not the least of which is maintaining an impecably strong ethics posture and keeping a positive attitude and outlook in everything you do.
To Dana, Genie, and Daniel, Woodene and I send out love and most heartfelt condolences. We will keep you in our hearts and minds forever. Finally, I want to say that every Texas Army and Air National Guardsmen, soldier/airman/civilian are much better people for General Danny James III having passed our way. When he left Texas for Washington D.C, we at the USPFO presented him with a small plaque/statue which was engraved with the words "WE'VE GOT YOUR SIX". Now, General, you are in a much better place to watch "our" six and we respectfully request that of you.
Stephanie Rotheram
August 10, 2017
My family and I lived next door to Danny, in San Antonio; My daughters adored Danny, and seeing the three of them sporting BurgerKing crowns was not unusual. Thanks for the laughter and friendship. You will be missed, my friend.
Jackie Centeio
August 9, 2017
Dana Marie, children and cousin, Genie, please accept my deepest sympathy on this great loss. Know that thoughts,love and prayers are with you all.
Neal and Cheryl Patton
August 9, 2017
Dana please accept Cheryl and my heartfelt condolences...we were shocked and saddened by the news of Danny's passing. What a loss for us all. Danny and I became friends eons ago at Williams...both just returned 0-1 Bird Dog FAC "heroes" from SEA. Because we had flown something else we got a local IP check out. At our last check-ride...a four ship formation sortie...Danny walked into the briefing with the Air Force Time front page photo of Chappie pinning on one of his DFCs. Unfortunately the sortie was less than sterling...two guys passed...Danny and I were the goats...but the photo pulled us through...they couldn't bust Danny and I grabbed his coattails. Start of a long friendship...we flew together...drank more than our share of whiskey in the AF and the early airline peak and valley days...always smiling. "... a nickle on the grass..." for a superb officer...warrior...gifted and lucky fighter pilot...no where near the Mach in Austin...and most of all my friend of forty seven years. We now live in a diminished world
Gary Walston
August 9, 2017
Dona and I send our heartfelt condolences to Dana and Daniel and all of Danny's family. As his legion of friends will attest Danny was many things; a leader, fighter pilot, family man but most think of him as simply a friend. We all have Danny stories that I hope get told at sometime in the future. I know he was many things to me; first my Vice Commander and then my boss as Adjutant General of Texas, but again, he was foremost my friend. I can't think of a more worthy salute to our friend as he wings west.
August 8, 2017
Sir, Rest In Peace knowing you were loved and admired by many and God, please bless the James family as they journey through this painful chapter of life'a book, keeping in mind each memory and all of the laughter will ease the pain as the book comes to a close.
SMSgt Debbie Johnson, USAF (Ret.)
Raul Elizondo
August 8, 2017
As I view his picture, he once again brings a warm smile to my face as he always did. I knew him well while assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing first as one of his crew-chiefs, then as a recruiter. He was always willing to go out of his way to simply say hello, or to ask how my wife and kids were. We often joked around the two of us would do our best "Richard Pryor" impressions to see which would laugh the hardest. Truly, a great leader, a great American hero, and a great friend. I will miss him and take comfort knowing that he his once again reunited with his father, mother and sister as perpetual light shines upon him. My sincerest condolences go out his beautiful wife Dana, loving son Daniel and heart-warming mother-in-law. RIP my dear friend, RIP.
Bill Hall
August 8, 2017
Our condolences to Dana and Daniel. I served with Lt Gen James from 2000-2005. He was a transformational leader, visionary, and a true mentor. He provided me an early opportunity to see the inner workings of NGB and the Texas Guard. I am forever grateful for the mentorship and patience he demonstrated to a young Major who thought he knew it all. You will be missed! BG & Mrs Bill Hall
August 8, 2017
I REMEMBER GEN. JAMES CALLING OUT "HEY G.I...ITS ME" AT A LAREDO PARADE BACK IN THE OLD 149TH DAYS...RIP, SIR G.I. FLORES SMSGT RET
Paul Vann
August 8, 2017
I give God the glory for meeting and working with General James while assigned to the National Guard Bureau for 12 consecutive years. I admired General James and am thankful I was able to get him to autograph his father's book titled Chappie. The legacy of leadership in his family inspired me throughout my career as an active duty and ANG officer. God bless the James family and may His mercy and grace be sufficient because the James fmaily made tremendous sacrifices in support of our grateful nation. Salute...Paul Vann, Lt Col, USAF (Ret).
Carol Armstrong Mitchell
August 7, 2017
I was deeply saddened to hear the news that my old friend, Danny, had passed away. Our families were friends when our dads were stationed at RAF Bentwaters in England. Danny and I also both attended Lakenheath H.S. located at RAF Lakenheath my junior and senior years (1960 - 1962). Danny played basketball and football, and I was a cheerleader. Because our school was located about an hour and a half drive from Bentwaters, we kids lived in dorms at school during the week and went home on weekends. In spite of that distance, Danny's dad, Chappie, was active in our sports program. I remember him handing out our letters at the sports banquet. He was very proud of his son. My husband, Michael, and I want to extend our sincere condolences to Dana, his son and the entire family. Danny now joins his father, Chappie, mother, Dorothy, and sister, Danice (who was also my friend). He will be missed, as are they all. Farewell "Duke of Earl"...
Nancy Cherota Sonnier
August 7, 2017
Danny and I were at Lakenheath together. He was a great friend to everyone. Thoughts to his family.
Mike & Cindy Ford
August 7, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the James family and may God give you the peace that you seek during this time of sorrow.
Johanna Edmonds
August 6, 2017
I remember Danny taking the time to attend my father's burial at Arlington National Cemetery and presenting my mother with an American flag. His father and my father were stationed at Bentwaters AFB in the late 1950s and the Jameses were a wonderful family.
Richard Thornton
August 6, 2017
Danny was a classmate of mine at our high school at RAF Lakenheath and his father Chappie James was commanding officer of the base where my father was stationed at RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge. He was an athlete and a gentleman. He will be missed. He brought pride to his alma mater and the nation. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Jean Lange (Lambie)
August 6, 2017
Danny was my dearest friend. My date to Homecoming. Friend all through his college years. Chappie was my friend, as well. Danny was smart, strong, funny, and loving. I miss him!!
Donna Mills
August 6, 2017
Sad news today as we learn of the loss of our high school classmate, Danny. My fondest memory is of 1st day at Lakenheath and this skinny kid helped me carry my books to next class as I was on crutches recovering from ankle surgery. Danny was big in heart, had caring ways, was funny and intelligent. Only saw Danny 3 or 4 times since but will remember him always. Sincere condolences to his wife, son, Spuddy and entire family.
August 6, 2017
Danny was a great friend. I met him at Bentwaters AFB in England. I had the privilege to know him my 10th thru 12th grade. I had great times with Danny then and had the opportunity to catch up over the years. Our condolences to his wife, son, and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You will be dearly missed. Bill & Jana
Marc Tamaroff MD
August 6, 2017
Danny and I were fraternity brothers at the University of Arizona. From the day we met it was obvious what an exceptional human being he was. All who had the great fortune to know him will miss him tremendously. From the brothers of Tau Delta Phi rest in peace. Our love and deepest sympathies go out to Dana and little Danny and the entire James family.
Doug Menarchik
August 6, 2017
I am sorry to have lost my USAFA Prep School buddy, "Doolie" roommate from the USAFA Class of '68, pilot training mate, and life-long friend. I treasure our time together these past two years.
Tom Hanton
August 6, 2017
We have lost a truly loving, wonderful, and highly respected man. Danny has been a good friend since we were high school neighbors and classmates in England. God Bless Danny and his family...
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