James (Jim) W. McDaniel was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Roy S. and Deane McDaniel. He was one of three boys – brothers Ronald (Dean) and Phil, growing up in Mountain Home and Little Rock, Arkansas. As a youth, Jim was active in scouts, earning the Eagle badge. This accomplishment shaped his life tremendously, and he was proud of what he accomplished as a scout.

Jim attended Kansas University before joining the Air Force upon his graduation. While in the Air Force, Jim served in Thailand during the Vietnam war. While he rarely discussed his time in Thailand during the war, he was proud of his service and those who served. He served with pride and honor and was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor Device for his service on the night of August 7, 1968.

During his time in the service, he met and married the love of his life, Melinda (Mindy) Holycross. They raised three boys, Jeff, Michael, and Greg, in Southern California.

The best time in his life was the better part of the last 18 years. He spent "another day in paradise" with the love of his life when you asked him how things were.

Living in Las Vegas brought friends and family to their doorstep with regularity. Jim shined the most as "Papa" to his three grandchildren – Colton, Sam, and Eli, relishing the time he was able to spend with them.

Jim will forever be defined by his strength of character, his undying love for Mindy, and his role as Papa in his later years.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother Dean. He is survived by his loving wife, Mindy; his children Jeff, Michael, and Greg; his "daughter," Carrie; his grandchildren Colton, Sam, and Eli, his brother Phil and numerous nieces and nephews. All of whom will miss his warm smile and loving nature immensely.

In lieu of customary remembrances, please feel free to make memorial contributions in Jim’s name to The Wounded Warrior Project.