James Daniel

Jim Daniel was born on April 20, 1928 and passed away on August 29, 2016. He was first, foremost and always a gentleman. He was 88 years old. Born in Ft Payne Alabama, Jim was the son of the late John T. Daniel and Vida L. Daniel. In the Early 1930’s Jim moved, with his family, from Boaz Alabama to Nashville for his father to pursue his musical career as a member of the Grand Old Opry.

He is preceded in death by his brother and best friend, Clarence Edward Daniel C.P.A. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ruth Daniel. She will always be the sweetest thing he ever saw. In addition, he is survived by two sons, James R. Daniel, Jr. (Missy) and John Edward Daniel (Helen). He loved and was very proud of his four grandchildren Mary Caroline Daniel, Sarah Elizabeth Daniel, James R. Daniel III and Ryan Thomas Daniel. He is also survived by his sisters in law, Wanda V. Sallee (Hank) and Eugenia N. Daniel, and Eugenia’s children Kathy Daniel and Jody Daniel, as well as other nieces and nephews.

Jim was a retired Executive with the United States Postal Service. He started his postal career in 1944 while still a student at West High school. He continued to work for the postal service while attending Peabody College and The University of Tennessee Nashville. One of his first management positions with the postal service was to open the Green Hills Branch office. He held several other management positions before retiring as Director of Delivery, Marketing and Vehicle Service for Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

He served in the United States Army on active duty from 1952-1954. He stayed in the Army Reserve for 30 years and retired as a Colonel assigned to the Selective Service. During his career he was part of a unit that implemented and oversaw local draft boards during the Vietnam War. Following the war, Colonel Daniel was involved with the establishment and implementation of the Alternative Service programs for conscientious objectors who wished to return to the United States.

A life time member of First Baptist Church, He served as a Deacon and was a member of the Sojourners Bible Class. Jim was a man of great faith. Near the end he said he was going to be with his buddy, God.

Believing deeply in service to his community, Jim was a past President and board member of the Downtown Sertoma Club. Through this affiliation, he also served on the Board of Directors of the EAR Foundation.

Jim was an avid tennis player and was a founding member and past president of the Nashville Tennis Association. In addition, Jim was a life- long member and prior board member of Hillwood Country Club, where he enjoyed spending his retired years with his close friends.

Visitation with the family will be 10-12 am (day and date) at First Baptist Church, 7th and Broadway, Nashville. A memorial service will follow the visitation in the church sanctuary. Private burial will take place at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.

Jim and Mary Ruth have become very fond and connected with the very special people that have cared for them. The family would like to thank and recognize the staff at Burton Court and Woodcrest at The Blakeford. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you make contributions to the Employee Appreciation Fund at the Blakeford. In memory of Jim, please perform a random act of kindness. It would make him smile. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Blakeford Employee Appreciation Fund at 11 Burton Hills Rd. Nashville Tn. 37215.

Visitation with the family will be on Thursday September 1st from 10-11 Am with a celebration of life service to follow at 11 Am. A private interment will follow at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. Please visit our online obituary at www. Marshalldonnellycombs.com.