James J. Daniels

James Jon "Jim" Daniels (73) passed away on March 29, 2026, at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN following a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Jim's journey began on March 10, 1953, in Fargo, ND, born to Elaine Adell (Schumacher) and Mervin James Daniels. After spending his early years in Henning, MN, the family relocated to Osseo, MN, where Jim graduated from high school in 1971. His love for the outdoors was nurtured through his involvement in scouting and the days the family spent at their cabin on Boulder Lake. It was one of the places he most enjoyed returning to. In addition to scouting, Jim participated in gymnastics and enjoyed activities including swimming, scuba, and riding motorcycles.

Jim graduated from Dunwoody Institute in Autobody in 1974 and furthered his education at the University of MN - Duluth. While attending UMD, he worked part-time as a bus driver and mechanic for Voyageur Bus Co. This part-time job grew into a full-time career where he made lifelong friends. After 25 years of living in rural Duluth, Jim and Jeanne moved to rural Cannon Falls in 1998 and he transferred to Hastings Bus Co. retiring in 2015.

Jim loved being outdoors - working in the yard, maple syruping, hiking, deer or grouse hunting, canoeing the BWCA, ATVing, and fishing - he LOVED to fish - especially ice fish. He would snowmobile, snowshoe, and walk into the BWCA for Lake Trout or drive 30 miles out onto Lake of the Woods to fish for walleye. For Jim, these excursions were less about the catch and more about the company of his family and best friends.

Jim met Jeanne Craig in 1971 when she substituted for him while he was absent from life guarding. When he tried to pay her, he learned she had left for South America as an exchange student. So, a year later, while both were lifeguarding together, he was able to pay up AND score a date with her. These soulmates started their life journey together on September 10, 1977.

Jim and Jeanne nurtured many lives throughout the years. They hosted exchange students Noe from Paraguay and Sofia, from Chile. And they had their fur babies - a black (Abbey), chocolate (Brandy), and red fox (Sierra) labs - so very much part of their family.

In retirement, Jim and Jeanne enjoyed gathering with family and friends, traveling both in the US and abroad, and spending time at the cabin. In addition, they found happiness in working to transform their country property in Cannon Falls. Apples and cherries were harvested from their numerous trees for Jim's specialties - apple crisp and cherry pie. A major accomplishment was the development and management of a three-acre prairie. A highlight was when friends and family stepped in to help every three years with prescribed burning.

After years of country living, Jim and Jeanne decided they were ready for city life so in 2023 they left their memory-filled home in Cannon Falls for a town home in Hastings. Here they have been embraced and blessed with a wonderful and supportive community of neighbors.

Jim was known for his calm, thoughtful manner. His faith in Christ was reflected in this quiet, steadfast way. He was at peace with his illness, death, and joining those who had gone on before him into the next chapter of life.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jeanne; siblings Dee, Della, and Jack (Kris) Daniels; and nephew, Isaac Everson, as well as a wide circle of cousins and friends who were like family to him. Preceding him in death are his parents and his brother, John.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 24, at Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center, 8395 127th St. E., Hastings (Spring Lake Park Reserve). Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Dunwoody College of Technology or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.