James “Jimmy” Durwood Daniels, 79, of Cedar Island, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at his home.

A memorial service to honor Jimmy’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 20 at Pilgrims Rest FWB Church, officiated by Pastor Kevin Stott. 

Jimmy was born on November 5, 1946, in Ithaca, New York, to Durwood Thomas Daniels and Pauline Bess Gwaltney Daniels. A man of kindness and quiet strength, he lived a life defined by his family and the community he loved. Jimmy served in the United States Navy and after his military service, he was a licensed electrician and worked with the State of NC, also serving as a volunteer firefighter.

He was also a proud member of the Masons and the Shriners, where he made many lasting friendships. Jimmy was a devoted husband to Violet, and they shared a beautiful life together. He saved her life on more than one occasion. Jimmy was just one of the sweetest men you could ever meet, and he will be missed by so many.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Violet of Cedar Island, N.C.; daughters, Lara Wade James (Anthony) of Canton, N.C., Linda Daniels Goodwin of Cedar Island, N.C.; son, Joey Daniels (Kelly) of Leland, N.C.; bonus daughter, Tina Tatro of St. Cloud, MN; bonus sons, Jason Tatro of Cedar Island, N.C., Christopher Tatro (Ignace) of New Jersey,; grandchildren, Brittani Wade Johnson (Donta) of Cedar Island, N.C., Samantha Goodwin Heyer (Kevin) of Apex, N.C., Quinn Goodwin of Appleton, WI., Caice Roles Holland (Matthew) of Otto, N.C., Shelton Freeman (Alexis) of Asheville, N.C., Sofia Skinner and Allie Skinner of St. Cloud, MN, Keiran Daniels of Leland, N.C., Jami Boyette of Leland, N.C., Julie Gillikin of Leland, N.C. ; great grandchildren, Lorelei (Lori) Heyer, Cecelia (CeCe) Heyer, Lucy Goodwin, Drake Smith, Aundrea Johnson, Layla Johnson, Taydon Johnson, Jonathan Godfrey, and Lillian Godfrey.

In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his sister, Maureen Daniels Spangler; and brother-in-law, Max Spangler.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.