James Frank Daniels

James Frank Daniels, born September 9, 1929, passed away on February 26, 2021, from COVID-19. Several family members were able to be with him at the time of his death.

Jim Daniels was a member of the 1949 Bellefontaine High School graduating class. He spent the last two-and-a-half decades of his working life at Lennox Industries and in his final years there, was supervisor of maintenance. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and a longtime member of Glenwood United Methodist Church. He was married to the former Betty Jeanne Landrum on December 1, 1950.

While growing up, Jim helped on the farm, taking care of his family's dairy cattle. He was a gifted mechanic, working in auto repair and auto supply through much of his working career and as a mechanic on both fighter and pursuit jets during his military service. In his sixties and seventies, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. At home, he created beautiful wood pieces that will remain as cherished family heirlooms. Jim was a "people person" who never met a stranger.

But more than this, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law, brother, and uncle, beloved by his family for his unconditional love and unflappable support and encouragement. After sixty-six years of marriage, his wife Betty preceded him in death, passing on April 11, 2017. It's as a husband and father that Jim most stands out: He made the decision as a little boy that when he had a family, it would be filled with love. And so it was. This, along with the extraordinary care he showed for his wife in her later years, are two major examples of one of his most notable characteristics, integrity.

Jim was also preceded in death by his parents, father Frank Marion Daniels and mother Lorena Selma Kerns Daniels.

Jim is survived by children Pastor Mark (Ann), Betsy (Jeff), Kathy (Scott), Dianne (Ken), and Martin (Katrina); grandchildren Betsey (Norm), Christopher (Mindy), Philip (Amy), Sarah, Katelyn (Noah), Jameson (Ana), Daniel (Brittany), Cameron, Rebecca (Michael), Andrew, Michael, Jonah, and Kipley; and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters: Marge (the late Jim), Jackie (the late Lynn), and Judy (the late Dick).

In light of COVID-19, a small graveside service of committal for the immediate family will take place soon. Beyond that, there are tentative plans to later celebrate his life with extended family members and friends. The family is grateful for the care Jim received at Doctors' West Hospital and for the consideration shown to them during his hospitalization.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made either to Honor Flight Columbus, P.O. Box 12036, Columbus, Ohio 43212 or to the Building Fund, Living Water Lutheran Church, 667 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Dayton, Ohio 45459.