James was born to James Daniel Sr. and Bertie Tapley in Winter Haven, Fl on February 27, 1947.
He was married to Varangkana (Lek) Daniel February 8, 1974.

James was in the Air Force for 22 years retired as master sergeant (E-7) and accomplished an Associates of Arts degree. He worked for the 301st Rescue squadron during the 1990s at Patrick AFB.

James loved the outdoors, loved to go camping and fishing. He and his wife traveled the United States by RV several times with one trip to Alaska and back also on another trip with his cousin Gary.
Many of his adventures included white water rafting, hand gliding, flying, roller coasters which all this he did with family and friends.

He is survived by children - Marie C Daniel, Christopher Daniel and Veronica G Robertson and his grandchildren Karena Daniel and Tyler Daniel.

He was a life member with the American Legion and VFW and he was truly a family man that loved his family very much.