James Michael Daniel

James Michael Daniel, 83, passed away on April 13, 2025, in Preston, Idaho. He was born on April 14, 1941, in Pocatello, Idaho, the son of Minnie Daniel and step-son of Danny O. Daniel. He was married to Deanna Daniel (Dani), on July 15, 1972. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George Utah Temple.

Jim was raised in Blackfoot, Idaho, until the age of ten when his family moved to Encinitas, California, where he attended elementary school and high school. In high school, he excelled in football, track and baseball, becoming a four-year letterman in football.

After high school, he received a degree in Auto Mechanics from Oceanside College. While working as a mechanic, he had an on-the-job accident which nearly severed his left hand. He was sent to Konkel Electronics School for rehabilitation where he studied and received a degree as an Electrician Technician which became his lifetime career. During his working years, he was sent by his employers to many different training schools to keep up with the latest technologies or to learn new skills. He excelled at the training schools and earned several awards.

He was skilled at repairing all home entertainment equipment, TV, VCR, stereo, radio, electronic organs, cameras, as well as all kitchen appliances and vacuums. He spent many years doing service calls and installing roof top antennas. Jim was a very hardworking man who worked his full-time job and also had a part-time jobs most of his adult life. His part-time jobs were as a part-time technician, at fast food restaurants, and at his home shop. He was a “fix or repair anything” guy using his skills and abilities to repair everything and anything, but also to do his own plumbing, electrical work, car mechanics and yard equipment. His skills and abilities were always a great asset and service, not only to his family, but also to his friends and neighbors, to whom he always donated his time and labor.

He was always reading. He loved studying and learning. He liked geography and astronomy. Those who worked with Jim said that his sense of humor and good nature always helped to make their working environment a more pleasant place.

Jim was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was an active member the rest of his life. He had various church callings. His favorites were with the Scouts assisting with camping trips and earning their badges.

Jim retired from Sears as a Master Technician in 2003. After living in Salt Lake and other places for several years, they moved back to Preston. His retirement meant having part-time jobs at the Burger King for 5 ½ years and at the Arctic Circle for about 11 years.

Jim loved and cherished his children and grandchildren. He was always so grateful and felt so blessed to be their Dad and Grandpa. He was so proud of each of them and their accomplishments.

Jim leaves behind his wife and best friend, Dani; three children, Lori (Duke) LeJeune of Princeton, Texas; Chris (Nora) Clements of Taylorsville, Utah; Lisa Kuhni of Provo, Utah; 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, by his oldest brother, Samuel Thyberg, by his oldest son, Chad Clements and by a grandson, Marty Clements.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. in the Preston 8th Ward Chapel, 213 S. 200 E., Preston, Idaho. The services will be streamed live and may be watched Saturday at 12:00 p.m. (MST) by clicking on the link in his obituary at webbmortuary.com. The family will receive friends Saturday from 11-11:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Downey Idaho Cemetery.

Jim has asked that in your kindness and caring- in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Heart Association in his name which would be greatly appreciated. We invite all those who know and cared for him to join us in saying our goodbyes, as he is now in his Heavenly Father’s loving care. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com.