James Miller Daniels Jr.

May 20, 1983 - July 20, 2021

Captain James Miller Daniels Jr., 83, took his last flight on July 20th, 2021 peacefully after being diagnosed with lung cancer. Dad, grandpa, JD, Captain are among the names he went by and was a friend to many and left an impression on all those he met. He was boisterous until the end and still telling stories. Appropriately as a friend noted he left us on the anniversary of mans landing on the moon, “fly high.” Jim was born on May 20, 1983 in Albany, GA to James Miller Sr. and Hazel Dowdy. He was preceded by his wife Sandra, he leaves behind daughters Ruth (Craig) Leifels, Julie (Tom) Velchek, stepson Norm (Jen), and numerous grandchildren. Jim spent most of his time in Florida, Fort Myers and Crystal River, FL as his final homestead. As a pilot his feet were never in one place for long, he called Georgia, Washington, Maryland, California and others home along his journey. In his profession as a pilot, he held many different roles; Captain, Copilot, Flight Engineer, teacher, mentor and friend. His love of the water was as great as his love of the sky. Living at Lake Arrowhead in Georgia he was always boating or working the dirt, in Savannah he would travel by boat to River Street. When it was time for him to slow down, he returned to his beloved Crystal River where he spent his youth and school years. He was the local historian and could speak of hours of the “old” Crystal River and the adventures he had then and later in life. Many knew Jim as Fred2’s dad, as they were a frequent sight Jim biking and Fred2 ran on his leash. He will be loved by all and missed by many. The family would like to thank all those who took the time to visit with Jim, call, send emails, words of encouragement and the list continues. Jim’s wishes were to be cremated and he will be with his wife and parents at that time, there will be no formal service per his wishes. If you would like to make a memorial tribute, please direct towards your local animal shelter.