James Daniel Feltham Sr.

Dan the Man was just one of his many nicknames. From Mr. Blue Sky and Mr. Happy to Better Half and Chief, each name reflected something true about the joyful soul we all knew and loved.

Dan found joy in the little things every single day. Altadena Valley was at the heart of so much of that joy, where he grew up, played, and later raised his family. Raised on Lakeland Trail alongside his brother David and his lifelong buddy Jim, Dan spent countless days running through the woods and trails with Jim from 1964 until it was time to head off to University Apartments #32 in the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

Dan’s life was full of countless moments of kindness and connection. His warm, welcoming presence was unmistakable—from the distinctive ease in his step to a smile so wide that it made his eyes disappear. Everyone who knew him remembers him as a gentle friend and a constant source of warmth, whether welcoming the new kid at school or spreading joy at the Altadena Valley Animal Clinic, where both people and furry friends adored him.

Dan was rarely without man’s best friend by his side, beginning with the legendary Laddie. Over the years, he, Juli, and Danny shared life with an eclectic and beloved collection of dogs. Dan surely has a happy, smelly welcoming committee waiting for him—Watson, Gordon, Ernie, and, we hope, Mac too.

Dan’s interests were as broad as his smile. A talented photographer, he had an eye for capturing his grandsons on the field. As the years passed, cycling became a passion, and Bo Bikes Bama held a special place in his heart. Dan also rediscovered his love of woodworking, pouring his artistic spirit into carpentry projects that he shared freely with the ones he loved. But nothing compared to the joy he found in his family.

Dan’s beloved wife, Juli Boswell, was his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. They went to college together at Auburn, and on November 8, 1980, Dan married the woman who would forever be his better half. Dan embraced Juli’s family with open arms and was loved as one of their own.

In 1988, Dan’s namesake Danny arrived—just in time to join the celebration of Dan’s 33rd birthday. Almost immediately, Danny claimed his dad as best friend. Danny followed Dan’s footsteps to Auburn University, where he earned both his degree and a resounding “yes” from his own high school sweetheart Meg on the 50-yard line.

Dan led this Feltham household as a team rooted in service, love, and support, always putting family first.

Years later, Dan earned his greatest nickname yet—Chief—when James Daniel III, “J.”, was born, followed by Reid William two years later. Chief’s days overflowed with intentional joy, building the ultimate backyard playground, hosting sleepovers, sharing trips, and proudly cheering front and center with Mama J. at every sports game, piano recital, and school performance.

Everyone who met Dan saw that his joy came from the Lord. His faith, which he carried since childhood, shone through brighter than ever on his Saturday Suit posts. Even through challenging treatments, Dan’s smile lit up every room, touching doctors, nurses, patients, and friends alike.

True to the man he was, Dan chose optimism, faith, and the bright side right through to the end—always seeing the glass half full, the happy moments, and the blue sky.

A visitation will be held in Dan's honor on Monday, June 22 at Mountain Brook Community Church from 9:45-10:45 am with a service following at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests your consideration of honoring Dan by making a contribution to your favorite church or charity.