James Walter Daanen

James Walter Daanen, age 101 passed away peacefully on Monday, June 17, 2024.  Many will remember him as "Jim", a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Born on October 22, 1922, to Ralph and Lucille Daanen in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. Preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia.  Jim is survived by his only sister Cecily Molyneaux, his  6 children, Linda (James), Mark (Irene), Jeff (Lynn), Brian, Ralph (Kerry), Paul (Joanna), his 13 grandchildren Keith, Jim, Steven, Sarah, Griffin, Nick, Nathan, Kaitlyn, Elizabeth, Julia, Michael, Bella, Penny, nephew John Molyneaux(Pam) and niece Leah Molyneaux Price (Dave), and 3 great grandchildren, Jamie, Jack and Isaac.

Jim moved with his mother and father to Homewood in 1931 to live with his Grandmother and Grandfather in a small one bedroom house built by his grandfather in 1927.  (Property tax was $ 2.43). In 1934 he was recruited by the Military Academy across the street to join the Academy football team, tend their horses and even play trombone in the band.  Jim graduated from Thornton High School in 1939 and during his young life worked at Chicago Title, Commonwealth Edison. He took the train to the Armour Institute of Technology (now Illinois Institute of Technology) taking math and drafting classes.  Jim enrolled at the University of Illinois in 1945 to continue his love for education. He was intrigued with physics and Einstein's Theory of Relativity and graduated in 1951 Magna Cum Laude with a master's in education. His accomplishments were honored by the University by inscribing his name on the bronze plaques in the Old U. of I. Library.

In 1960, Jim's education and teaching goals were postponed with the early death of his father. He now inherited a new career of operating the family roofing business. He was the successful owner of Daanen Roofing for over 30 years employing many young Homewood residents and his 5 sons. After retirement, he would continue his education at Prairie State exploring his interest in art.  Jim was also an avid golfer and bowler and always found time for family vacations to Michigan.

Visitation will be held on Sunday June 23, from 1pm until 5pm at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood. The Funeral will be held on Monday at 11am at the Funeral Home. Interment to follow at the Assumption Cemetery in Glenwood, IL. For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.