James Edwin Daniels, age 79, slipped away peacefully in his home on February 7th, 2025. He was born on July 23rd, 1945 in Tucson, AZ although he spent much of his life residing in Richland, WA.

Jim was a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness and attended the Richland congregation for many years, devoting much of his time to his faith and reading his bible. He knew this as his truth and he remained unwavered, despite many trials and tribulations throughout the years.

Jim worked as an electrical engineer at Fluor Hanford for 40+ years from where he retired in 2005. In 2000 he was transferred to Slavutich, Ukraine to assist with the Chernobyl cleanup. While there he happened to meet the most elegant and radiant Russian woman that he would call his forever wife, Elena. 25 years together and she has never left his side, caring for him with warmth and tenderness until his very last breath.

He enjoyed traveling, camping and nature: anything outdoors and driving his prized Jeep. He was always on the move— somewhere to be, someone to see. Most of all, Jim who was fondly known as “Papa”, enjoyed his family. Nothing made Papa more happy than to hear the buzz of voices, laughter and playful fighting coming from his big boisterous family. He always looked at them with such pride, awe and adoration, the people that he created. He could never help but smile and chuckle. He was a generous and fair man. A loving and even-handed father, all while being gentle and always affectionate, always concerned with his family’s health and happiness. A man who was protective of his loved ones.

James will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Elena; his siblings Ida, Sally and Johnny; his daughters Darvina, Aimee, Molly, Katie and Jessica; his step son Chris; his son-in-laws Steve, David, Tracy, Jason and Lupe; his grandchildren Michael, Christopher, Bre’anna, Jared, Britanni, Cooper, Reagan, Alessandra and baby Ramirez; his great grandchildren Taralynn, Gunner, Greyson and Granger.

He was preceded in passing by his mother Carmen; his father Louis; his sister Helen; his grandson Joshua and the mother of his four daughters, Jennifer.

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought the fine fight, I have run the race to the finish, I have observed the faith”

“Where’s my bible?” -Papa