James McDaniel

James D. McDaniel, age 71, a lifelong resident of Milton, Florida, a devout Christian man, left our presence on Friday, June 13, 2014 to claim the promise of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He entered into Heaven to find rest in the Loving Arms of God. Jim was born on April 26, 1943, in Brewton, Alabama to James C. and Myrtie McDaniel. He was baptized into the Christian faith in Pensacola, Florida on December 16, 1956. He attended schools in Santa Rosa County, graduating from Milton High School in 1961. After graduation, he attended Pensacola Junior College on a baseball scholarship. Jim also served in the Army Reserves for several years. In September of 1966, Jim married the love of his life, Carol Elaine Moss. Together, they have three daughters: Iris Elizabeth, husband Joseph Harrell; Tracy Elaine, husband Jarvis Van Norman; and Rebecca Lynn, husband Christopher Gay. Jim was known as “Paw Paw” to Sarah Elizabeth and Joseph McDaniel “Mac” Harrell, Austin Jarvis and Alexis Elaine Van Norman, Christopher Ryan and Alyssa Rebecca Gay. His six grandchildren meant the world to him. Jim was employed at BellSouth until his retirement in January 2000. Even though he was successful in his career, Jim’s true calling was to the ministry. He was an ordained Deacon in the Baptist Church for many years and was granted his license to preach in 2012 by Dr. David Spencer. For the past three years he was a compassionate and devoted pastor, friend and loving shepherd to the Good Hope Congregational Christian Church in Baker, Florida. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, one angel grandson, Alexander James Van Norman, as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, James Richard and Ruth Elizabeth Moss. He leaves behind one brother, Jerry (wife, Jan) McDaniel, and one sister, Judy (husband, Ed) McFall, sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews who will surely miss “Big Jim” and his loving kindness. In his leaving, Jim has left a huge void in the lives of his family and friends. However, their faith will remain steadfast as they call upon their Heavenly Father for peace, comfort and grace. His spirit and his memory will always be with us and our God will sustain us. Active pallbearers will be Gene Dees, Billy Ezell, Lamar Faulkner, Wayne Parrish, Don West, and Jerry McDaniel. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Good Hope Congregational Christian Church, former coworkers of BellSouth, Adrian Wingate, Travis and Yvonne Harrell, and Ed Petro. Visitation for Jim will be Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Milton, Florida from 2:30pm – 4:30pm. Services will immediately follow and will be conducted by Dr. David Spencer. Burial will take place at Serenity Gardens-Milton. Lewis Funeral home has been entrusted with the arrangements.