James Allen Daniels, affectionately known as Jim, 78 years of age, of DeWitt, NE, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024 in Lincoln, NE. He was born on March 4, 1946 in Beatrice, NE to Clyde and Ileta (Wilson) Daniels, and attended DeWitt elementary and high school.

Jim was a dedicated husband and father and was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his a giving heart. He was always willing to help where needed, but never would ask for help. He started his employment with Petersen Mfg. of DeWitt in 1964 and retired from making Vise Grip Tools in 2006.

Jim’s activities and hobbies include stock car racing pit crew, gardening, hunting, fishing, camping, and watching John Wayne westerns. He collected ball caps, loved 55 Chevy’s, and was very interested in the American Civil War. He loved country music and enjoyed bowling. Jim enjoyed and was a fan of Nebraska football, and basketball and baseball in later years, and enjoyed traveling following his retirement.

Jim loved his community and for many years helped with the annual 4th of July celebration with the Antique Car and Tractor Show and other projects. Jim was a member of the DeWitt Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for 25 years, from 1969 until he retired on August 4, 1994. He also had been a member of the Beatrice Eagles Club.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Diane; children Tammy (Jeff) Klaumann of Fairbury, and Paula (Kevin) Steinberg of DeWitt; grandchildren Darick (Shelby) Klaumann, Jorden Steinberg, Nathan (Emily) Klaumann, Bethany Klaumann, and Jayson Klaumann; several nieces and nephews; mother-in-law Delora Sukovaty; and brother-in-law Douglas “Archie” Sukovaty. He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Ileta (Wilson) Daniels; stepmother Flossie (Delay) Daniels; sister Bonnie Yager Wolfe; and father-in-law Arnold “Archie” Sukovaty.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in DeWitt. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in DeWitt at a later date. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place, but public visitation will be held from 1-8:00 PM Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in DeWitt with the family greeting friends from 6-7:30 PM. A family prayer service will be held at 1:45 PM Wednesday at the church. A memorial has been established to the family’s choice with the funeral home in charge.

Jim's life was a beautiful journey, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him. We invite you to share your fondest memories of Jim and upload photos to his memorial page or watch his video tribute at www.ghchapel.com. Let us remember Jim, not for his departure, but for the love, joy, and laughter he brought into our lives.

 These services have been entrusted to the Venrick-Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in DeWitt.