JAMES McDANIEL Obituary

James McDaniel "Jim" LTC, U.S. Army (Ret.)
James McDaniel "Jim", LTC, USA (Ret.) passed away on April 15, 2021 at age 76 from IPF. He was born on May 30, 1944 in Ft. Myers, Florida to Lorraine and Norman McDaniel Sr. He attended Florida State University and George Washington University. In 1967 he became a helicopter pilot for the 174th Assault Helicopter Company (AHC) in Vietnam, and then two years later he served a second tour with the 116th AHC. He served in the Army for about 25 years. After retiring from the Army, Jim continued in the aviation field with the Federal Aviation Administration for 20 years. Jim's personal life focused on family, including Char, his wife of 52 years, and their two sons. He had a wide variety of interests. He created a web site for the 174th AHC and was also involved with the 174th Association. Jim was also active with the Northern Virginia Regional Group of the Early Ford V-8 Club of America. His interest in genealogy led to his love for Scottish culture, and he joined Clan Donald USA and took up the great highland bagpipes. A member of the Masons and Shriners, Jim joined the Kena Highlanders Pipes and Drums band, eventually becoming Pipe Major. Additionally, he served as the president of two different neighborhood associations for many years. Throughout all of his activities Jim built community - he brought people together in a way that lifted everyone involved. He is survived by his wife Charlotte, sons Scott (Michelle) and Mason (Taryn), and three grandchildren: Dannie, Robert, and Stella. Jim joins his parents and siblings Norman Odell McDaniel Jr., Donald Lee McDaniel, and Aleta Adam in peace. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

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Published by The Washington Post on Apr. 20, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES McDANIEL

11 Entries

Cynthia Gallardo (Robert Gallardo)

April 15, 2023

Gone but never forgotten. I feel blessed to have known you Char, and Bill. I know Bob felt the same way. He passed in 2018. God Bless you and your family.

Cynthia Gallardo

July 29, 2021

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Jim´s life was one of service, love, compassion and friendships. I will always hold fond memories of our times together at the VHPA reunions. Bob passed. Jim and Bob will continue their friendship together in a special place. With much love and sympathy. Cynthia

David Spahr

April 28, 2021

Jim was the webmaster for our unit in Vietnam, the 174th AHC. I met him online after I came out of my cave and found the site. He encouraged me to send pictures and stories that I had not shared with anyone. I only met him once in person at a picnic near Ft. Belvior, Va. He was so gracious and welcoming. Over the years his imprint on the 174th Association was unmistakable. He was so instrumental in bringing us together.
Thank you Jim!

Steve Smith

April 26, 2021

Jim was my instructor and mentor during my 1971 tour in Vietnam; he trained me for combat and was a mentor for me and many others.

His moral and professional leadership was evident throughout his life and will be missed by many people. RIP brother, I’m sure the reunion you are having with family members who preceded you was a beautiful experience.

Peggy Emerson thomas

April 23, 2021

Jimmy and I were school friends in ft. Myers high and junior high. He was so friendly and kind.
This world is a better place because of people like him.

tim hennigan

April 22, 2021

A wonderful neighbor & schoolmate who was a good friend.

Roy Judy

April 21, 2021

I did not know Jim well, but had several conversations with him when I was a member of the NVRG V-8 club. He was always cordial and very friendly and welcomed me into the club. I always enjoyed talking with him about his Police car, which he was very proud of. After reading some of recent articles of Jim’s passing, I noticed we had some things in common particularly with the Masons and his employ with FAA. I wish I could have shared stories with him on these interests. I express my sincere condolences to his wife and family. Rest In Peace.

John W Powell

April 20, 2021

Great man and good friend. I saw him last at our monument dedication in Arlington. He will be missed...John Powell, C1/9 Cav, VHPA

Ruthell Mcdaniel

April 20, 2021

I met Jim when I was 17 and dating his brother Del. I became part of Jim's and Del's wonderful family in 1965. We saw Jim and Char at many family gatherings as that was who he was, a family man. My children loved their Uncle Jim and learned so much from him. They loved to hear his tales of Vietnam and his childhood with his brothers. We will miss you so much Jim. You and Char and the boys were always a big part of our life. I'm going to miss you so much. Rest easy my sweet brother.

Nick Desport

April 20, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person who served his country in many ways. Jim was such a welcoming representative of our Accotink Bluffs Estate Community from back in 2012 when we purchased our house here and one of the first people we met. We would always see Jim and Char no matter where we went or what we did in our neighborhood. Jim was like the "Senior Statesman" of our community and will be missed terribly by Doreen and I.

Ken Grant

April 20, 2021

I've known Jim and his family since 1972 and never knew a better man or leader. I missed his helicopter days, but was privileged to see him in other roles and he was the kind of guy you just wanted to follow. We grew to be much more than Army comrades as we followed each other around the world. I miss you, Jim.

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