James "Jim" Dee McDaniels

James “Jim” Dee McDaniels was born December 17, 1944, in Maplewood, Missouri, to Paul and Avis Augusta (Hall) McDaniels. He grew up in the St. Louis area until moving to Salem in his early teenage years. He graduated with the class of 1962 from Salem High School. Jim was blessed with two children: Stephanie and Jimmy, and later blessed with three grandsons: Ty, Brady, and Elijah; and two great-grandsons: Ezra and Simon. Jim was proud of his family and loved and supported them unconditionally. His grandsons and great-grandsons were an unending source of joy. He cherished the memories they made together and enjoyed attending their school and sporting events. Jim had a big heart for kids and was known as the best bus driver at the Salem R-80 School District for over forty years. He invested countless hours into the lives of many students and truly loved driving them to ballgames and fields trips. During his career he also served as the transportation director and was a former state president of the Missouri Association of Pupil Transportation. Jim was very active in the Dent County Community. He owned and operated McDaniels Ice Company, worked for the Salem Police Department, and was a Dent County Sherrif Deputy. He truly loved the community and for a time served on the School Board and as City Alderman. In early adulthood, he was an active member of the Salem Jaycees. In March 1968 he received the Key Man Award of Missouri. Jim loved life and lived it to its fullest, enjoying every moment along the way. He loved being at Montauk on the opening day of trout season and in the woods hunting during deer season. He was a collector of many things and liked browsing antique stores. Jim loved to cook, always trying new recipes. He also enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and listening to gospel music. Jim was a man of great faith. He was saved in the summer of 1964 and baptized at Salem First Baptist Church. Jim was an active member of New Harmony Church and faithfully attended until his health no longer allowed. He loved to help cook in the kitchen and volunteered with the annual sportsman’s banquet. Jim entered eternal rest on October 24, 2023, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of seventy-eight years. Those left behind to treasure his memory include, his loving children: Stephanie Floyd and husband Tony of Salem, MO and Jimmy McDaniels and wife Brandie of Springfield, MO; sister: Sally Arft of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Ty Floyd and wife Houlie of Chicago, IL, Brady Floyd and wife Ashley of East Peoria, IL, and Elijah Floyd and fiancé Paige Hartje of Joplin, MO; great-grandchildren: Ezra and Simon; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Salem School District Alumni, and many City of Salem friends. Preceding him in death, his parents: Paul and Avis McDaniels; the mother of his children: Leona McDaniels 2009; two sisters: Lois 1937 and Suzie 1996, and two brothers: Gene 1937 and an infant brother 1948. Jim’s legacy will endure through the cherished memories he leaves behind. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his unwavering love for his family, and the joy he found in helping others. Jim will be forever missed. Funeral Services for James “Jim” Dee McDaniels were held Saturday, October 28, 2023, at New Harmony Church, Salem, Missouri, with Pastor Matt Milligan and Pastor Jimmy Decker officiating. Special Music was provided by the New Harmony Praise Team. Serving as Pallbearers were Ty Floyd, Steve Bryson, Brady Floyd, Steve Morton, Elijah Floyd, John Snider, Rick Hoyt, and Faron Teague. Honorary Pallbearers were Steve Raulston, Jamie Haage, Curtis Bottorff, Keith Steelman, Don Smith, Dennis Schafer, Tim Sanders, Stan Johnson, Truman Smith, and Bob Parsons. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Jim McDaniels and will be donated to several charities that were close to his heart. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

James "Jim" Dee McDaniels

December 17, 1944 - October 24, 2023