NAPA - John Francis "Jack" Daniels, 82, passed away at home with his entire family at his bedside, on July 29, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born Jan. 25, 1926, in Delta County, Colo., he was the seventh child of Edward M. and Frances H. Beeson Daniels. Raised in the family's tiny log cabin in the high plateau land of Colorado he grew into a tough and hard-working young man, helping his family tend the small ranch.

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. Upon receiving his honorable discharge he settled in the Napa Valley, where he met Marie, his wife of 61 years. Jack started and owned the Jack Daniels Roofing Company in St. Helena for 16 years. In 1974 he sold the business to Art Carr, his dear friend and partner, to pursue a dream of commercial salmon fishing, where he and Marie spent many years on the Pacific Ocean out of the Port of Bodega Bay, with Jack managing the fishing lines with Marie at the helm.

Jack lived an adventuresome life and accomplished whatever he put his mind to. He loved sport-fishing his entire life, winning many local fishing derbies. He also loved flying and as a pilot flew throughout much of the western United States. He often flew to Mexico, landing his plane in the Baja deserts at the best fishing spots in the Sea of Cortez. He also loved the California desert and explored it by dune buggy, ATV and on foot many times in his long life.

Jack will always be remembered as a great storyteller about his many adventures. He was an outgoing man who made friends with all who met him. He truly knew how to live life and will be sorely missed by his large family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Marie; his four children, Leila and husband Alfie Johns, Peggy Tippett, John Daniels and wife Debbie and Ron Daniels and wife Barbie; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by sons-in-law, Larry Ebbeson and Mark Tippett, and a grandchild, Amy Marie Cole.

Services will be held Friday, Aug. 8, at 1 p.m., at Morrison Funeral Chapel, in St. Helena, with burial at the St. Helena Cemetery.

The family is very grateful for the care of Kaiser Hospice. Donations may be sent to 975 Sereno Drive, Vallejo, CA 94589.

Condolences may be written to the family at www.morrisonfuneralchapel.com.