James Lewis Ray "Popo" Daughtery

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. James Lewis Ray "Popo" Daughtery was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, James will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

James’s life journey began on December 8, 1946. He first greeted the world in Roanoke Rapids, N. C. His parents' names were Lewis & Barbara Daughtry. He grew up in Southwest Miami in Westwood Lakes. Growing up for James was an involving experience. It allowed him to learn and grow and create all kinds of memories. James grew up in a very large family with 8 sisters and 3 brothers, and he loved stock car racing. He was a very hard worker from a very young age cutting yards, selling produce, contributing to the welfare of the family and always good for lots of love and laughs.

A lot of what shaped James’s life was how he was raised. He was raised with eleven siblings; Faye, Elaine, Barbara, Richard, Marie, Zepha, Leon, Kathy, Edye, Robert, and Linda. Ray and all the brothers and sisters always loved and laughed with each other. He took the role of being the man of the house and always contributing. James was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced the typical rivalries of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years. Ray's grandparents were Mr. and Mrs.Yeoman & Cleveland and Vassie Daughtry. James was close to other relatives as well; Ray's extended family included Donna's mother and father, who were two people he idolized and all of his grandchildren. He enjoyed family get togethers.

As a young boy, James had a number of interests. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. A number of things caught his interest, such as Going to stock car races. When it came to playtime, James enjoyed family football, softball, and fishing.

In school, James learned many things and made many friends. James managed to accomplish many things as a child, both in and out of the classroom. However, to James, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends. James also went on some family trips occasionally during his childhood. Spending the summer of 1959 in North Carolina. In all, James grew up surrounded by family and friends who cared about him very much.

Many things change when a person becomes old enough to go to high school; James was no different. He was a typical teenager who had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Southwest Miami Sr. High. James tried to be involved in a number of different activities, both in and out of school, during these years. He enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball, Basketball, and Soccer.

James learned a lot about responsibility back then. He first entered the work force when he got a job at Standard Oil Gas Station. There were other types of responsibility as well. Ray was also involved in the community during his high school years. Ray also did a bit of traveling during his high school years.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. James experienced that with Donna Eve Daughtery. Donna's best friend's boyfriend was in the service with Ray. Ray and Donna wrote each other. Ray traveled to Monticello, NY to meet Donna for the first time.

James exchanged wedding vows with Donna on December 28, 1966. They had a Civil service at a restaurant. Officiating for the service was a Supreme Court Judge. Their maid of honor was Dawn Applegate and standing up with the groom was the best man, Benny Atkinson. The reception was at the Paddock restaurant in Monticello, NY.

After the wedding, the couple enjoyed their first few days together as husband and wife during their honeymoon and went to Miami where Donna met the rest of the Daughtery family. Empathic and loyal, James was committed to making his new family happy. It is true that during those early years the couple lived modestly, but they were happy nonetheless. Their first residence was Smyrna, TN.

It can be said that you can tell a lot about a person by their friends. In addition to these friends, the couple also had a dog, Bubbles and a cat named Socks. So it's little wonder that he took an active role in his neighborhood and community. James ran for office at Beaumont-Cherry Valley Recreation and Park District.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. James worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. James was blessed with two sons, Demytr John Brian and Michael Wayne Patrick. He worked hard toward raising his children in a positive and nurturing environment. Spent many years coaching their baseball and soccer teams.

James enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. He lived in Greece, Spain, North Carolina, Florida, and California. James’s children also enjoyed the company of the family pets, Bubbles the dog and Socks the cat. Later on, James was blessed with the gift of seven grandchildren, Daniel, Tanner, Andrew, Bryan, Sarah, Tucker, and Gracie.

How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Fortunately, James enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, James worked diligently and did his best to succeed in each of his jobs. While he worked several jobs over his life, James’s primary occupation was working as United States Air Force Cargo Master.

Probably the most unique or interesting job James ever held was working part time on a chicken farm. Other positions he has held were Publix Grocery store, construction, Air Force, and Daughtery Pest Control. Though James didn't’t work for accolades, he was recognized for a job well done. Promoted to management in USAF, several airman of the Quarter Awards and owned his own business. James always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

James joined the Air force in March 1964. He was in basic training at Lockland AFB and training Shepard AFB. He served in Vietnam then served 24 years in Air Force. His service included Lockland, Shepard, Seward, Mactan, Philippines, Hellinkan, Greece, Torrejon, Spain, Pope, and Norton. James achieved the final rank of Master Sergeant and earned several awards recognizing him for his accomplishments, including Meritorian Service, Air Force Accommodator, Army Accommodator, Air Force Good Conduct, National Defense, Humanitarian Service Medal, Vietnam Service, and Vietnam Gallantry with Palm. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

A person's hobbies often mirror who they have become. James enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, including carpentry and wood-working. He was usually willing to share his interests with others.

Like all people, James had his favorite things in life. His 1940 GMC, and sitting around his mother's kitchen table having coffee, smoking and talking with family for hours.

When it came to entertainment, James enjoyed a number of different things. Favorite movies include National Lampoon Christmas, and the Rocky series. His favorite TV show is Boardwalk Empires and Men of a Certain Age. He loved country music especially Johnny Cash. He also enjoyed good food and drink, such as T-bone or porterhouse steak.

James enjoyed sports and athletics, especially softball, volleyball and his beloved Miami Dolphins football.

When James’s retirement finally arrived from the Air Force in 1989, he was well-prepared. He and Donna decided to retire in Banning, California.

Even in retirement, James continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new ones. Some of his new friends included Don and Joanie Schleicher. James was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

James Daughtery left us on July 1, 2011. He passed away at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, CA at the age of 64 years old. The cause of death was heart disease and circulatory problems. He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Scott; stepfather, George Scott; father, Lewis Daughtry; sisters, Elaine, Edye, and Marie. He is survived by wife, Donna; sons, Brian, and Michael; and seven grandchildren. Services were handled by Weaver Mortuary in Beaumont, CA. James was laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside California.

So this is James’s life, the sum of the man that he became. Simply stated, James was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. James leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life James Lewis Ray "Popo" Daughtery touched will always remember him with a smile.