James Marion Daniel

Lt. Col. James Marion Daniel, 79, passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side on January 20, 2016. He was born on January 15, 1937 in Johnston County, South Carolina to Johnnie and Varnetta Daniel. He was the baby of ten children.

James graduated from South Carolina State University in 1959. After graduating from college, he was accepted into officer training, where he received his pilot certification. While in the Army, he served in five campaigns in Vietnam as a pilot. For his service, he was honored with many decorations and medals, including a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal (10th AWD), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, and Royal Thailand Army Parachutist. He retired after 26 years of military service with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

After his retirement, he became the first black loan officer for the Austin National Bank. He was then recruited by IBM Chicago, where he worked as a Sales Account Executive. James resigned from IBM to return to Austin to be close to his family. His final retirement came after working for 10 years with the State of Texas Rehabilitation Commission as a Disability Examiner.

James had three children, Sonya V. Daniel of Cedar Hill, Marion L. Daniel of Arlington, and James M. Daniel, Jr. (1970-2009) while being married to Myrtle Daniel-Jones, along with his grandson, Justin B. Daniel. He is also survived by his son, Donte V. Daniel and daughter, Kayleigh M. Daniel.

In 2004 he found his soul mate and best friend, Chrissie Toungate, and they were married on July 29, 2011. Chrissie was a loving and caring wife who remained by his side at all times.

James is also survived by his two sisters, Ogner Daniel of Washington DC and Winnie Jones of Columbia, SC, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his honorary brother, Aaron Wilson.

Family and friends are invited to gather at a visitation to be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2016 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the funeral home chapel. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions be made to the “Honor Flight” at www.honorflightaustin.org.