James Edwin McDaniel

James McDaniel (Feb. 19, 1947-Jan. 31, 2017) passed peacefully early Tuesday morning due to complications from cancer. He was an avid devotee of the Casper Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, of which he was an alumnus. Growing up in Casper, WY, he attended Casper College and then the University of Denver for his undergraduate education. After graduating college, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and graduated Officer Candidate School. He left the Air Force with the rank of Captain. While serving in the Air Force, he took courses from the University of Utah and received his MBA. After leaving the Air Force, he moved his family to Lebanon, TN to work with Cracker Barrel. He was very proud to have worked with them to develop many of the staple items on their original menu. As an accomplished economist, he later established his own firm, McDaniel Econometrics.

He sought always to lead a principled Christian life. Charity and generosity were very important to him. Through his life he donated time and money to many Nashville charities. He also served as a vestry member at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Old Hickory, and then as a choir member, lay reader, and Eucharistic minister at St. George’s Episcopal Church

He is survived by his wife of more than 46 years, Shellie Khouri McDaniel, his mother, June Ann McDaniel, his brothers John and Robert McDaniel, his children, Amelia McDaniel, and David McDaniel, and his grandchildren, Virginia and Julian.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Casper Trooper Drum and Bugle Corps or to the charity of your choice.