Obituaries

James Edward Daniels, known to all who knew him as Jim, passed away on April 16 at the age of 77 in Cold Spring, KY. A lifelong Kentuckian, Jim was raised in California (Mentor), Kentucky and made his home in Alexandria, where he lived the kind of life that left an indelible mark on everyone around him.

Jim spent his early life as a dedicated volunteer firefighter for the Eastern Campbell County Fire Department before being called up to serve his country.

Jim proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, earning several commendations including two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars & an Army Commendation Medal.

He chose a career working for the railroad as a brakeman, conductor, then yardmaster, first with Penn Central, Conrail and later with Norfolk Southern— honest, hardworking years that defined his generation of men who built and moved America. He went on to serve as Co-Chairman of the Railroad Safety Program and worked on the Grandview Cemetery Board for many years then became president. He has earned multiple service awards & recognitions over the decades.

Jim was a lifelong member of Mentor Baptist Church and the Alexandria V.F.W. Post 3205.

Ultimately, he was an avid outdoorsman at heart, happiest hunting or fishing, with a beloved beagle or two by his side or enjoying his favorite sports teams. He also loved playing softball and also golfing in his free time. A devoted fan of Kentucky Wildcats basketball, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Cleveland Browns— a choice rooted in his long railroad stents in the Cleveland & Columbus area, even if it brought friendly rivalry amongst family members rooting for the Bengals. He loved his friends, loved a good card game, and could often be found at a table deep into a long session of Shanghai Rum with family and friends. Carrying on a third-generation family tradition.

Perhaps no tradition spoke more to who Jim was than the infamous Ala-Gotchee, a beloved rabbit dish passed down from his father, Russell, that Jim carried forward, cooking it for large gatherings of family and friends across the years. It was the kind of thing that brought people together, and Jim was the kind of man who did the same.

Jim was a legendary man with a stoic presence that never met a stranger. Jim’s infamous mischievous grin he greeted everyone with is forever etched into the hearts of those who love him. He will be missed at every card table, every game day, and every big family meal.

He is survived by his devoted wife Cheryl Daniels of Alexandria, KY; his beloved son Shaun Daniels of Richmond, VA; his loving daughter Shannon Daniels of Cincinnati, OH; stepson Ken McGinnis (Amanda) of Mentor, KY; stepdaughter Jennifer Carroll (Shawn Hayden Sr.) of Louisville, KY; step-grandchildren Joshua Carroll (Megan), Justin Carroll, and Kyleigh McGinnis; his siblings Charles Daniels (Sue) of Ludlow, KY, Beverly Wilson (Robert) of Ft. Thomas, KY, and Keith Daniels (Lisa) of Mentor, KY; nephews Wesley Daniels (Danielle) and Jonathan Daniels (Emily Knaley); great nephews Ben and Alex Daniels; great nieces Kate, Lili, and Emma Daniels; great-great nephew Crew Daniels; great-great nieces Grae Becker and Palmer Daniels; and many lifelong friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Beulah (Hollin) Daniels, his nephew Tyler Daniels, and his great niece Brinley Daniels.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mentor Baptist Church in Mentor, Kentucky on Saturday, May 9, 2026 with visitation from 10 AM-12 PM, with a service afterward, followed by a meal.

The family welcomes flowers at the church and invites those who feel so moved to make a donation in Jim’s honor to a Vietnam Veterans charity of their choice or to Mentor Baptist Church. Please bring your stories, photographs, and memories — the family would be grateful to receive them.