Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

James F. Daniels

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - James F. Daniels, 88, of Wakefield, known as "Coach" to many in the area, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, May 20, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on Nov. 29, 1926, in Trimountain, a son of George and Lucille (Radell) Daniels. He grew up and attended school in Channing and was a member of the class of 1945. While in school, Jim participated in many sports. He was proud to be a participant of the 1944 Class D U.P. Championship basketball team and was delighted to be a Channing Railroader. Jim enjoyed many childhood summers at his grandparents railroad depot home at McKeever Junction in Ontonagon County. He always had many stories to share about these early days growing up and loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and trapping.

Jim took pride in serving his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a signalman and was stationed in the Philippine Islands. Following his honorable discharge, Jim returned to his hometown, Channing, and worked for the Milwaukee Road Railroad before deciding to attend college. As his story was told, he and a friend hitchhiked to Lansing to start their college years. In 1953, Jim graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in education and went on later to earn his master's degree. While attending college, he worked as a custodian at MSU and was employed by the General Motors Oldsmobile plant in downtown Lansing.

During his college years, Jim was very fortunate to meet the love of his life, Florence N. Borseth, whom he married on June 28, 1952, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield. Jim and Florence shared 62 wonderful years together and raised five children, whom he was very proud of. Family was very important to Jim. He was happiest sharing his time, stories and guiding messages. Jim was always there with a smile and willing to lend a strong arm and a helping hand to anyone in need.

In 1953, Jim started his first teaching and coaching position in lower Michigan, two years at Morley and one year at Pinconning, before being hired in 1956 at Wakefield, where he taught science, health, physical education and drivers education, and coached basketball, track and football. He retired from Wakefield School System in 1986. Throughout his career, Jim had many honors, including U.P. Coach of the Year and his induction into the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame in 1985. Coaching was his passion, and his athletes and students were all very important to him.

His retirement from teaching/coaching brought new adventures for Jim and Florence. He enjoyed traveling across country to visit family, relatives and friends. Jim relished spending every summer at Hargrave Heights on the north shore of Lake Gogebic and welcoming his family, including his grandchildren, who looked forward to boating, waterskiing, swimming and campfires with him. Fall time always meant camp time for Jim. He appreciated getting out in the woods, hunting and sharing lots of stories from his past adventures over a camp meal with his hunting buddies and family. Jim took pleasure in hosting an occasional camp poker party with his teacher friends. He always made time for long walks with his grand-dog, Dexter.

In his earlier years, along with his involvement with school activities, Jim was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, serving as a lector and on the parish council. Later, while spending more time at Lake Gogebic, he and Florence became very involved with the Bergland Matchwood Cultural and Heritage Center and the Lake Gogebic Improvement Association. Jim was a life member of Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 in Wakefield.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Florence; two sons, Michael (Susan), Anchorage, Alaska, and Mark (Christine), Ridgefield, Wash .; three daughters, Ann Marie (Ronald) Niemela, Quinnesec, Janet (Michael) Miljevich, Manitowish Waters, Wis., and Robin (Michael) Kimball, Arbor Vitae, Wis .; nine grandchildren, Dallas Daniels, Leisha (Travis) Huber, Kari (Kevin) Bloodsaw, Chelsey (Randy) English, Theresa (Chris) Kretovic, Daniel (Ashley) Niemela; Danielle (Chris) Windberg, Kevin Daniels and Kendall Daniels; nine great-grandchildren, Mason, Devin, Titus, Aubrey, Daphney, Ella, Camron, Ayala and Wyatt, and another great-grandchild to be welcomed in July; his special grand-dog, Dexter; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Owen Sayers; two brothers and his sister-in-law, George "Bob" and Mary and John; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James "Bud" and Joyce Borseth; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joy and Arvo Johnson.

Cremation has already taken place.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, June 1, 2015, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Antony Lukka, celebrant.

Following the Mass, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard.

A reception will be held at the Wakefield VFW post 9084 following the military honors.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, Bergland.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.

 
 
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