James M. Daley
Sunday, August 25, 1935
Date of Death:
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Age:
84 years old
James M. Daley
James ‘Jim” M. Daley, 84, of Byron passed away peacefully at Season’s Hospice in Rochester on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020.
James was born on Aug. 25, 1935 to Lawrence and Merrial (Ahern) Daley in Winona, MN. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1953. After high school James served in the US Marines from 1953-1956. He was employed at IBM from 1956-1970.
On April 12, 1958, James married his high school sweetheart, Leora Bartsch in Winona, MN. They purchased a farm north of Byron in 1958 where he started his farming career with his family. He enjoyed raising crops and beef cattle, and especially took pride in building and growing a dairy operation with his sons. Jim liked being involved in promoting and advocating agriculture policies. He served on the AMPI corporate board of directors and Dairy Promotions Boards. Jim was also passionate about being involved with grassroots government. He served on the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners from 1978-1986. Jim was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron which he helped establish in 1963.
Jim is survived by his wife Leora of 62 years, children Rosemary (Randy) of Minneapolis, Tom (Annie) of Byron, Paul (Ruth) of Byron, Angela of St. Paul, Kathleen (Gary) of Lakeland, Teresa (Ryan) of Elysian, Phillip of Owatonna, Douglas (Jennifer) of Byron, Fabian (Shannon) of Byron, 25 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers John, Jerry, Ronald, David, and sister MaryAnn. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Peter, Leo, Larry, and grandson Louis.
Jim had a kind heart and was always willing to help others who were less fortunate. He believed in teaching his children a good work ethic and was very proud of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will always be remembered by his love of telling a good story and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020 from 4-7 p.m. at Byron Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Father Thomas Loomis and Father John Lasuba officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Korean War Veterans Association or Season’s Hospice of Rochester, MN.
Condolences
The family of James M. Daley has received the following condolences.
To the wonderful Daley family, my sympathy.
For three months in the fall of 2017, it was my privilege to be seated with Jim and Leora every day for both lunch and supper. It was at a rehab facility in Rochester. The food was good, and our conversations, led by Jim, went on until everyone else had left the dining hall. Tales of his rascally childhood, of high school, the military, IBM, the farm, his travels everywhere with Leora.
Let us give thanks for that life. Up
So sorry tp hear of Jims passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Steve and Barb Schoppers
To the Daley Family,
To the Daley family - I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was such an important person to know and be a with. Dad and mom had one of the best families I have ever known during my teaching career at Byron. So many outstanding children - such wonderful people / such hard workers in school and on the farm. As a former football and girls track coach / the Daley kids provided so much joy and success to Byron sports. For Paul Phil Angela and Theresa - just first class people that I had the privilege to teach and coach - your loss is felt. There were several other kids but I didn’t know them as well. May God Bless Jim’s soul and all of you. Take care.
Peter Grant - East Gull Lake MN
Our deepest sympathy to the family. I had the pleasure of tglking with Jim when he came in to get wash cloths from the laundry for cleaning the cows. RIP Jim
Jim was such a great person and defined the word "gentleman." One of most gracious people I have ever known. He was such a good role model for all of us to look up to while growing up in Byron. He was always someone you looked forward to interacting with at school sporting events or church as he had a way of making you feel great after conversing with him. Generations of people are so lucky to have had Jim in their lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Daley family. I am very sorry for your loss. God Bless.
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Jim. My family and I have lots of special memories of living near the Daley family all the years when the kids were growing up. I regret that I was out of town last week to greet all of you and personally share my sympathy. Lifting you all in prayer and trusting God to hold you close as you grieve and celebrate Jim's life.
Blessings,
Nancy
Dear Bonnie, in respect of the passing of your brother-in-law, Mr. James Daley, please accept my condolences offered to you, and your immediate family, during this time of sorrow. I extend the condolences to your sister Mrs. Leora Daley, and all their children as well, whom I do not know, however through you Bonnie I feel their collective sorrow and I am sorry for their loss. Mr. Daley has an enviable life's resume. May he be justly rewarded and blessed in his God's internal Kingdom for his exemplary & faithful journey on earth.
All we have done on earth has left its trace; And all we say sounds on spirit ears. Let sound the music of thy faithful heart.
Respectfully,
Robert LaFreniere
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Prayers and sympathy to the Daley family. He was a good and kind person much loved and respected by his family. I know he always put them first in his very active life. He will be missed by many.
My condolences on Jim’s passing. I always enjoyed visits with Jim and respected his dedication to his community. He will be missed by many.
Chuck
So sorry for your loss. What exists,exists until it is lost,then it becomes PRECIOUS.
My whole family an I want to express on sympathy for the loss of your husband and father. He was a very special man with a wonderful laugh that no one will forget. God bless you all. Kathy and family
Daley Family,
My deepest sympathy to all. I will forever admire the grit and passion the Daley Family has for their community, family, employees and each other. Jim leaves a legacy as business man, community man, and non the least a family man that is the envoy of most people that he connected with. I am honored to have known him, Lenora and his sons.
An unforgettable gentleman., that shared my birthday.
Wally Thomas
Tribute to Jim
we grew up together and could write a book!
Chapter
1. grade school. 2.World War 2 3. high school 4.pea vines 5. family 6. IBM 7. Farming 8.Dels Cafe 9. Corvid 19
10. prayers for family
Amen
Langseths
My thoughts and prayers are sent to all of you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Gail Barstad & Family
sorry for your loss, I was an asst county attorney when Jim serv d on the county board, his public service had significant accomplishments including the waste to energy facility! Missed his ice cream stops!
Raymond Schmitz
Dear Daley Family,
MY connection with Jim started with renting a farm house from the family shortly after graduating from college and continued throughout my adult life. He was fun to talk with and to share ideas on business development and government. I admired his "can do" work attitude. Our community has lost a good man and mentor. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his entire family.
Pat & Brenda Bum
Dear Daley Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in our prayers. Jim and I traveled the world together long ago and he was always so excited to meet new people, enjoy new food, tour the countryside and lead us in laughter. He was a kind and gentle man who always reminded us how important family was. We were blessed to have know him.
Dearest Daley Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. We were so fortunate to have grown up just down the road from you folks and have the fondest memories of Jim "Mr Daley". I've always felt there is nothing the Daley's (and especially Jim) cannot do. Often my coworkers complain of the Monday through Friday grind, to which I reply "A farmer works every day". Jim has been an inspiration to hard workers throughout his life and for decades to come. He will be greatly missed. Love and Prayers.
Ken Spores & family
Lee, Doug, Jennifer and family,
My sympathies for your loss. I had the privilege of being Jim’s doctor a number of years ago at Mayo. You couldn’t help but like him and respect him for all his accomplishments. But of them all, he was most proud of his family. He loved his family deeply and I know he will be missed.
Scott Litin MD
So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Deepest Sympathies to you all. Have known the Daley family for many many years!
To the Daley family,
When there are no words to soften the pain may your spirit be touched by the love that surrounds you. You have a wonderful family who will be there
with their love and caring in the loss of Jim. Know that he was so proud of you all. Special thoughts to Leora . What a loving long relationship you had
setting an example for many.
Ron and Nancy Kreinbring
Daily Family,
My heartfelt condolences go out to your family, and I will keep you in my prayers for comfort for you all.
I have always thought of Jim as such a caring and kind person whom did so much for so many - he will be missed in this Community that he has done so much for.
God Bless,
Joe Powers
Dearest Fabian..Doug and families...David and I wish to express our deepest sympathies to you all...Blessings to your Mom...Love and hugs.
David and Anne Elliott
My condolences to the Daley family on the loss of Jim. May he rest in peace.
My Condolences to all the family. Some of my fondest memories of Jim include: he never passed up saying hi at church with a big smile and a firm handshake. Or, if he had something to say he was always straight forward in his in commitment to the idea being talked about. Always willing to help and make things happen. I won't forget his smile and laugh. He will be missed deeply.
Paul
Dear Daley Family,
My condolences to you all. I have the fondest memories of time spent with your family and on your farm. Jim is a wonderful man who has made a positive impact on his family and friends. Rest in peace Mr. Daley.
Dear Leora and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Some of the most memorable parts of my childhood included the the spur of the moment/pack-up-the-car vacations to Brainerd Lakes, Detroit Lakes, Wi Dells, etc. Jim and my dad were at the center of the fun and the shenanigans--we always laughed at their antics and how they ribbed one another! Family was at the center of Jim's world and we loved celebrating with you at the countless weddings, anniversaries, graduations and family reunions. We are praying for you and hope that you feel our love during this heartbreaking time.
With Sympathy,
Janel, Charlie, Henry, James, Gracie and Billy
So sorry for your family’s loss of a great man. Our families shared many vacations as kids and I remember Jim’s stories, his incredible laugh, and genuine interest in others. It was easy to have a conversation with Jim about most anything. He will be missed.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful uncle to me. I have many happy memories of times spent with Jim, Leora and family.. As a child, I especially remember Jim pushing all of us kids around and around on their small ferriswheel. What a thrill that was! All our love to Leora and family.
Candace, Madiso, Damien, Tracy and William
We were so sorry to hear about Jim's death, this must be a very difficult time for your family. We had so good times with Jim here in Norway. Please accept our deepest condolences. You are in our hearts and mind.
We are very sorry to read about your loss of Jim. We have so many good memories of him, and all of you. In US and hear in Norway. Take care of each other. From Jens and the Randem famely
So sorry for your loss. He was a good man. Hugs to all of you.
I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in my prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the Daley family. We will remember all the good times we spent together with Jim in the age industry. Lyle, Lou & jeanne Kuhlmann.