James Otto Daniels' Obituary
James “Jim” Otto Daniels, of South Point, OH passed away from Earth into the arms of Jesus suddenly and unexpectedly in the early morning hours on Sunday, May 25th, 2025. He was born February 26, 1952, to late Otto and Delores Daniels and was preceded in death by his daughter, Tara Anne Daniels. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of twenty-two years, Lisa Daniels, also of South Point, OH. He is also survived by his three sons, David Daniels of Irmo, SC, Jonathan Daniels (Tasha) of Lexington, KY, David Adkins of Boise, ID, and one daughter, Casey Gibbs (Kevin) of North Grosvenordale, CT. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy: Bella, Will and Alexis Daniels, and Beans the cat, whom he tolerated (secretly adored). He also leaves behind his extended family which includes an enormous number of cousins, relatives, including in-laws and nieces and nephews.
A Huntington native, Jim graduated from Huntington East High School in 1970 and from Marshall University in 1980 with a psychology degree. In 2018, he retired from the WV DHHR after 35 years of service as a program specialist. He was a faithful member of New Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, unofficial greeter, and anything else that was needed. He was also a long-time member of the YMCA and enjoyed taking classes at Tri-State Bible College.
Anyone who met Jim knew that he loved people and never met a stranger. His friendly demeanor and sense of humor allowed him to make friends everywhere he went. He always greeted everyone with a warm, welcoming smile. In addition, he had a variety of interests such as: trying new food (he rarely met a restaurant he did not like), solving crossword puzzles in ink, watching old movies, reading books, planning class reunions, corny dad jokes, and ministering to others. Jim had a wide variety of friend circles from all walks of life and will truly be missed by all who had the privilege of meeting him because he had the ability to make everyone around him feel comfortable and welcome.
Most of all, Jim will be remembered for his devotion to the Lord, his family, and his friends. Upon his retirement, besides caring for both his parents and his in-laws, he took it upon himself to learn Greek and Hebrew to get to know his Lord and Savior better, which culminated in a trip to Turkey and Greece in April 2025 where he walked on the same streets as Paul and John from Scripture. He loved church fellowship and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. He truly had a heart of gold and spent his life putting others first. Every person in his life knew they could count on Jim because he had a passion for helping others. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and anyone who knew him. Although his passing was a shock to all, it was absolutely not a shock to God.
Services will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 4:00 pm at New Baptist Church in Huntington, WV with Dr. Trent Eastman officiating. There will be a brief visitation 30 minutes prior to the service; however, immediately following the service everyone is invited to an informal reception/celebration of life gathering on the church’s Wild Side. In honor of Jim, it is requested (but certainly not mandatory) that everyone wear either khakis or Marshall gear.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jim’s name to New Baptist Church or Tri-State Bible College. Hall Funeral Home and Crematory in Proctorville, OH, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at ehallfuneralhome.com
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