James M. Danielson

James M. Danielson March 4, 1943 - January 22, 2019 James M. Danielson passed away on January 22, 2019. He lived an epic life derived from a strong work ethic that was instilled in him on the farm as young boy. This work ethic stayed with him throughout his entire life, building a successful law career and teaching his family the same values. He was born in Ellensburg, WA on March 4, 1943. His parents, George and Burmah Danielson, raised Jim and his three sisters Carol (Anderson), Shirley (Danielson) and Helen (Schreiber) on a farm outside of Othello, WA, on what is now 'Danielson Road'. Jim graduated from Othello High School in 1961 and received a full academic scholarship to attend Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. On August 15th, 1964, Jim married his high school sweetheart Carol Anthony, and they lived in Hanover until Jim graduated from Dartmouth in 1966. After graduating from Dartmouth, Jim served in the US Army, stationed in New Jersey where his first daughter Kristen was born. After his service, Jim, Carol and Kristen moved back to Seattle, Washington. Jim attended law school at University of Washington from 1968 to 1971 where he served as the editor of the Law Review and graduated in the Order of the Coif. During law school, Jim and Carol welcomed their second daughter Kari. Jim and Carol chose Wenatchee as the place to raise their family and Jim joined Hughes and Jeffers law firm in 1971 (now Jeffers, Danielson, Sonn and Aylward). After moving to Wenatchee, his son James Drew was born. Jim enjoyed a successful career as a trial attorney. He was brilliant in the courtroom and was widely regarded and admired. Jim served his community as a long-standing member of the Wenatchee School Board, as a Board member of the Washington State Bar Association and Regent in the American College of Trial Lawyers. Jim had an amazing ability to achieve professionally yet remain an excellent father. An avid fly fisherman, Jim spent as much time as he could with his family at their cabin in Stehekin, enjoying the beauty and tranquility of valley, where they all loved to fish, hike and river-raft together. He also enjoyed an annual hunting tradition near Twisp with his extended family. Jim leaves behind his loving and caring wife of 54 years Carol and his children: Kristen Danielson of East Wenatchee, WA; Kari Danielson and fiancée Wade Gebers of Cashmere, WA; and James Drew Danielson and wife Natalie of Bellevue, WA. Jim's six grandchildren (Brendan, Avery, Nason, James Oscar, James Gunnar and Louise) were the center of Jim's life and the apple of his eye. His family will miss the inspiration of his preserving spirit, daily guidance, wisdom, strong spirit and sense of humor. Memorial services will be held in Wenatchee on February 28th and March 2nd and in Stehekin at a later date. Please contact the family for details. Arrangements assisted by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee.