James F. “Jim” McDaniel, of Biloxi, Miss., passed away from natural causes on July 16th, 2020. He was 86 years old.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents William Henderson McDaniel and Sallie Bettie Leonard of Mocksville, NC, and by seven of his siblings; Ruth, Junior, John, Joe, Grover, Marie and Doris. He was the founder of J.F.M. Enterprises, Inc. in Norcross, GA.
Survivors include sons Brian (Anita) McDaniel of Marietta, GA; Thomas (Renee) McDaniel of Roswell, GA; Patrick (Robyn) McDaniel of Roswell, GA and daughters Christine of Atlanta, GA; Sarah Ford of Braselton, GA; Jennifer (Carlos) Tandron of Jacksonville, FL and Susan Lehman of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, Kayla, Brittany, Samantha, Clay, Kristopher, Carly, Conner, Cassidy, Mallory, Amanda, Alexia, Carlos, Marissa, Max, Ryan, Erin, Owen, Sumner and Peter; and sisters Betty Wright and Loraine (Bob) Blackwood of NC.
Jim grew up on a farm with his nine siblings in Mocksville, North Carolina. He was very sports acclimated. After high school he was awarded a scholarship to attend and play football for The Citadel, in Charleston, South Carolina. He was a very active member and generous donor of the Citadel’s Alumni Association and attended almost every reunion.
Jim raised his children in DeKalb County. They attended Immaculate Heart of Mary elementary school and St Pius X High School. He started J.F.M. Enterprises, Inc. in 1974. Today it is run by his youngest son, Pat.
In the 80s, he developed a love of ballroom dancing. He took lessons for several years and competed in numerous tournaments and competitions, often winning first or second place. He was very graceful and loved getting dressed up in tuxedos. His dancing experience led to his next adventure as a dance host on some of the most luxurious cruise lines. Single and retired women loved having a dance partner and he enjoyed being able to travel the world.
He was a member of many organizations, including The Black Tie Club, Serendipity and The Friendship Force, which was an exchange program founded by Jimmy Carter. He would often travel to foreign countries and stay in people’s homes to learn the lifestyle of his hosts. In turn, he hosted guests from other countries in his home. He was a natural “people person” and loved learning about other cultures. His passion for travel continued to grow and he eventually visited more than 100 countries.
Later in life, he developed a love for casinos. He would travel to Cherokee, Biloxi and Las Vegas and eventually became a diamond club member. He loved the perks that came with that status. His favorite was the Sizzling Seven slot machines.
He loved his family more than anything. He enjoyed spending time with his siblings in North Carolina and with his children. His lived in Biloxi, MS for several years, enjoying the casinos and creating his latest “family” of friends, particularly his neighbors, the Gresham family, who often helped Jim take care of his home and health needs. He had also been made an honorary member of the family by the friends he stayed with across the world. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed helping and doing things for other people. He was always there to lend a hand when it was needed.
Due to COVID-19, there will be no funeral at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to iServe Ministries, 256 Buroak Drive, Jefferson, Ga. 30549. This organization feeds thousands of people and truly makes a difference in the lives of Georgia families.
Posted in: From son
Posted on: 2020-09-22
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