James Lee McDaniel

James Lee McDaniel, 70, of Brookings, SD and Ottawa, KS, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at his home in Ottawa, KS.  He was born June 14, 1952 in Mitchell, SD, the son of Charles Wayne McDaniel and Florence Elizabeth (Claussen) McDaniel.

He lived most of his life in South Dakota with the exception of a short time in his youth moving to Illinois and recently moving to Ottawa, KS to be closer to his son.  James graduated from Lombard East High School Lombard, IL with the class of 1970 and then attended South Dakota State University in the Industrial Arts Department. 

James was a lifelong carpenter and construction worker.  He started his career working for Great Plains Supply in Brookings, SD as a fine finish carpenter, building homes and cabinets for the company.  He later worked for Gray Construction in Watertown, SD and finished his professional life working for Moriarty Rentals.  He retired from full-time to part time in 2018 and did not fully retire from the company until this past December. James was a member and officer of the Brookings Police Reserves for forty years.  He enjoyed serving the community and was proud to help any citizens in need.

On August 19, 1972 James was united in marriage to Joyce Nollmann in Brookings, SD.  They recently celebrated their fiftieth anniversary.

Among his hobbies were hunting, camping, and canoeing, the quiet of nature was something James always looked forward to.  He also had a love for educating and helping children.  He coached many years of youth sports and was a scout leader as well over the years.

James is survived by his wife, Joyce; son and daughter-in-law, Adam/Christina McDaniel and two grandchildren of Ottawa, KS; mother, Florence McDaniel, Brookings, SD; sister, Susan Kelley and her husband, Van, Brookings, SD; sisters in-law, Jean Nollmann, Virginia Duffey and her husband, James; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

James was preceded in death by his father, Charles Wayne McDaniel; a sister, Sharon McDaniel Zoellner; and a brother, David McDaniel.

A private memorial service will be held for family at grave site. A memorial visitation will be held at Eidsness Funeral Home, 1617 Orchard Drive, Brookings, SD on October 1st from 1PM to 3PM.   Memorial contributions may be made to Boys and Girls Club of Brookings, SD or Franklin County Cancer Foundation, Ottawa, KS sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family.

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