James Daniel

James F. Daniel, 86, lifelong Gallatin Valley resident, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at his home in Gallatin Gateway surrounded by his loving family. James was born on June 6, 1923 to John #8220;Fred#8221; and Myra (Frank) Daniel at their home on Wilson Creek Road near Salesville, Montana. He attended Gallatin County High School. Following graduation, he enlisted into the U.S. Army on April 3, 1943. He served as a sharpshooter in New Guinea, Northern Luzon and the Philippines during World War II and was honorably discharged on December 5, 1945. James was married to his best girl, Dorothy Sieweke, on April 7, 1947 in Bozeman, and the couple had four children, Saundra, Fred, Ed, and Elizabeth. He was proud of the work he did as a lifelong farmer and rancher on various ranches, particularly the Spanish Creek and Flying D. Eventually, James and Dorothy retired to their beautiful home in Gallatin Gateway. A true Montanan, he loved hunting and fishing, and in later years, he enjoyed deer and bird watching. James was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Doris Beard, Isla Mae Figgins, and Ruby Vik. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; children, Saundra (Rob) Otheim of Unity, OR, Fred (Phyllis) Daniel of Gallatin Gateway, Ed Daniel of Manhattan, MT, and Elizabeth (Eddie) Casso Lopez of Mountain Home, ID; siblings, Pat (Norma) Daniel and Hazel Olsen, both of Gallatin Gateway; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and his loving dog Chachi. At Jim#8217;s request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gallatin Gateway Community Center, PO Box 329, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730 or to the Gateway Rural Fire Department, 320 Webb St, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730-0238.