James "Jim" Phillip Daniel, age 95, of Del City, Oklahoma passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021. Jim was born December 9, 1925 in Skiatook, Oklahoma. A come & go visitation for Jim will be held Tuesday, October 5, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Service-South Chapel, 7720 South Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73159. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Ft. Sill National Cemetery, 2648 NE Jake Dunn Rd, Elgin, OK 73538.
James “Cowboy Jim” Daniel took his last ride in his home Saturday, September 25, 2021 surrounded by his 2 closest friends, Jackie and Jerry. If you did not know this old storyteller, you missed a real gem. At times, he was cantankerous but he had a heart of gold. He loved giving to kids the opportunity to ride horses. He purchased several horses for children. Riding trails, cattle drives and ranch rodeo were Jim’s life. His boot collection consisted of many custom boots made for his smaller feet. He wore them proudly with his starched jeans tucked into the shaft. Jim loved to dress in coordinating colors with those boots.
He grew up on the Perrier Ranch in Osage County. His siblings called him “City Boy” since he was the only one not born on the Ranch. He was born in Skiatook December 9, 1925. Jim attended Perrier Elementary before going to Wildhorse High School in Hominy. Jim continued to ride on the Ranch his whole life, which he has shared with others. Twice a year, Jim and his friends ride the Perrier Ranch and sit around the campfire telling stories. Leann, Jackie, Jerry, Pat, Chuck, Mark, Travis, Leo and Seth enjoyed many weekends at the Perrier Ranch with Jim. They camped out on the old concrete slab of the elementary school. Jim’s stories kept the group entertained, as he recalled his childhood.
Jim joined the Army Air Corps during WWII and later, entered into the Air Force after its establishment in 1947. He had many opportunities to explore the world during his 25 years. He met General Patton during WWII on a flight deck. He was a navigator. Jim could tell those war stories. He had several commendation metals and made it to the rank of Capt. before retiring at the start of Vietnam.
He met the love of his life Elise, a nurse from Mississippi. The couple came back to Oklahoma upon his retirement. Jim then worked with Farm/Ranch equipment sales. He knew everyone across Oklahoma and surrounding states. Even though, they had no children of their own, Jim took interest in kids, including the many nieces and nephews. Their church home is Southern Hills Baptist, where the couple have many friends. Jim and Elise enjoyed their church family. Elise and Jim were married for over 60 years, and he missed her greatly after her passing. Jim with be laid to rest with her at Ft. Sill National Cemetery.
His sister Linda O’Connell of Iowa survives Jim, and his godson, Seth Everett. Jim leaves behind many great friends, as well as countless nieces and nephews, including Scott, Gene, and their families.
One of Jim’s last wishes was to follow suit of those early American cowboys and “Die with his boots on”. (A person who dies with their boots on keeps working to the end, as in "He’ll never quit—he’ll die with his boots on." The implication here is that they die while living their life as usual, and not of old age and being bedridden with illness, infirmity, etc.). With pride, he got his boots on as he was setting out for his last ride. He took the reins, put his hat on and prayed as he passed from this life to the next.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageSouth.com for the Daniel family.
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