James Daly Obituary

James Francis Daly, 61, of St. Charles, Illinois, died on May 11, 2009, as the result of an auto accident near LeClaire, Iowa. Jim was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on May 17, 1947. He was a 1965 graduate of Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from the University of Northern Iowa in 1971. Jim served his country in the United States Army from 1967 to 1973 and was a Vietnam veteran. He was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Jim was employed in the sales department of Equipto in Aurora, Illinois, for 24 years and most recently as manager of dealer sales with DAK Equipment in Elmhurst, Illinois, where he had worked since 2002. Jim's work ethic was unparalleled and admired by all who worked with him over the years. His sister, Mary Joanne Daly, his father, Warren Daly, and his mother, Frances Daly, preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Barbara (Bobbi) Daly; his children, Jon (Amanda) Daly of Valparaiso, Indiana, Josh (Stacey) Daly of St. Joseph, Illinois, Jaime (George) Jones of Mechanicsville, Maryland, and Christina Daly of St. Charles, Illinois, and six grandchildren, George and Gracie Jones, Evan and Zachary Daly, Adam Porter, and Nathan Daly. His brother, Michael (Carol) Daly of Lisbon, Iowa, his sister, Susan (Randy) Evans of Des Moines, Iowa, and his nieces, Ellen and Annie Daly and Sara and Kathleen Evans, also survive him. Jim was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles, serving as an usher for many years. He was a member of the St. Charles VFW 5036, serving as commander from 1978 to 1979, a member of the St. Charles Moose and the Lake Shabonna Sportsman's Club. Jim was active in his children's activities having served as a Cub Scout leader, a coach for Batavia Boys' Baseball and Tri-Cities Soccer, and as a member of the St. Charles Running Saints Booster Club. Jim enjoyed jogging and ran with his pal, Chase, the family's Golden Retriever, each morning before work. He loved the outdoors and traveling with his wife and family. They vacationed extensively in the United States, visiting many state parks, national parks and historical sites. Most of their travel consisted of camping, hiking, fishing and sightseeing. Jim was an avid fisherman and taught all of his children how to fish at an early age. Jim's compassion and love of his family was evident to all who knew him. His greatest joy was being with loved ones sharing holiday events, birthdays, baptisms, graduations, weddings, vacations, sporting events, and quiet time. He is deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1145 North 5th Avenue (Route 25) in St. Charles, Illinois. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Donations in Jim's honor may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076 (www.cst.dav.org) or to the charity of your choice.