James "Jim" L. Daniel

Jim Daniel, passed away on Wednesday, the 14th of June 2023. He was a longtime Houston resident, in the energy service and finance business, as well as a trustee of the Ray C. Fish Foundation. Born in Eden, Texas in 1930 which he never forgot his humble roots amongst the 2,500 other residents. Family, friends, school, and Church were his guiding principles throughout his life. Those surviving Jim are his son and daughter, Christopher James Daniel of Harper, Texas and Catherine Daniel Kaldis and her husband Andrew. His beloved grandchildren, Camryn Daniel, Elena, and Leah Kaldis. Sisters, Patsy Loden of Jackson, Mississippi and Sue Woolcock of Pebble Beach, California; his nephew Woody Loden and niece Lisa Castleberry; and longtime friend Bob Cruikshank; Sarah Young, "Mr. Jim’s” adored assistant; his beautiful and dearest Margaret Williams. Preceded in death by his father James L. Daniel, Sr. and mother, Floyd Craig Daniel.

A graduate of the University of Texas where he received a degree in accounting and later a University of Houston law graduate. Amid his education, he was drafted into the U.S Army during the Korean conflict and was assigned the duty of processing new draftees stateside.

Jim moved to Houston where he met his former wife and mother to his children, Barbara Haynes Fish (deceased), and her father Ray C. Fish. Mr. Fish enamored with Jimmy took him under his wings which propelled Jim into the center of attention in the community of Houston where he became a senior executive with the Fish Engineering and Construction Companies and enjoyed being in the planning and completion stages of large petrochemical projects in the U.S., South America and Alberta, Canada.

Always community-minded, Jim took great pride in his many friends in business and charitable and philanthropic circles. As Margaret graciously said, “He was charming and charmed everyone he came into contact with, he was never bored, and consequently, he was never boring”. He served as a past board member of the Texas Heart Institute, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, the Nature Conservancy, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the Houston Grand Opera in the days it performed at the “Houston Music Hall”. He was also a longtime member and trustee of the Ray C. Fish Foundation which he dedicated the last 35 years of his life. In his last years, Jim had great interest in being involved with projects working to expand vocational training for teenagers needing to establish career paths to become good citizens and responsible adults.

Jim enjoyed his children and grandchildren immensely, especially the many long games of cards and dominoes. He was always up for a good trip with his children such as hiking and camping in Banff, Alberta. One being an adventure lost in the Canadian Rockies. What was to be a standard 3-mile hike became a 22-mile hike when a “short cut” became a “lost cut” in which he and his children were all “found” by a few Royal Canadian Mounties.

A dedicated member of St. Martin’s Church, Jim was grateful to know the meanings and joy of being raised in a home and ranching community where the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ were central and that a life hereafter was a Promise to look forward to when it was his time called Home through the Heavenly Gates. In the last several years of his life, Jim not only continued his studies of the Word but developed more awareness of the Holy Spirit moving him to hear and see more of the invisible works of Christ. He even wrote a book recently published to encourage new Faith seekers a simple introduction to the Bible: 2000 Years of Eternity: An Express Viewing of the Lord at Work.

Jim was escorted by his hometown community atop the Eden fire engine where law enforcement, first responders and country servicemen saluted him farewell. Chris and Catherine jubilantly in character of their dad closed the celebration of Jim’s love of life with the popping of Champagne corks at sunset. It could not have been a more Heavenly send off.

A memorial service is to be conducted at four o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 28th of June, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

KINDLY NOTE: The family requests that all attendees wear COLOR to celebrate and represent Jim’s unforgettable spirit.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of one’s choice.

Please visit Mr. Daniel’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where fond memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.