Jack Leming Daniel Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Jack Leming Daniel, Jr., of Tacoma, Washington. Jack passed away peacefully on June 24, 2023, in University Place, Washington.

Jack was born on August 27, 1943, in Madison County, Tennessee to Ruby and Jack Daniel, Sr. while his father was serving overseas in WWII. They then welcomed a daughter, Jill, to complete the family.

Jack’s father’s military service took the family all over the world, including to Thailand and Taiwan. Jack attended four different high schools in four years, ultimately graduating from Mount Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia.

Jack attended Western Kentucky University before following in his father’s footsteps and joining the US Army. He then attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Armor Officer. Jack served in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968 where he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with Valor. He survived a mine explosion and a helicopter crash.

Upon returning to the US, Jack completed his active duty service at Fort Lewis and graduated from University of Puget Sound in 1971. He also spent time studying at an Episcopalian Seminary in Texas, teaching at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, and drilling with National Guard units in Texas, Oregon and Washington State.

In 1977, Jack earned his master’s degree in Management and then began teaching business classes at various universities. He met his wife Margaret (Simpson) Daniel while teaching at the University of Puget Sound in 1980 - she was actually one of his students!

In 1981, he took a job at Fort Meade and the couple relocated to Maryland. They were married in 1982 before welcoming their son Rick in 1984. Jack achieved the rank of Major before separating from the military and moving back to Tacoma. The family became complete when they welcomed a daughter, Katey, in 1987.

Jack then worked as a consultant and trainer at Bates Technical College, in addition to teaching business classes at various universities, including Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, and St. Martin’s University before retiring in 1998. Jack was so popular with his students that his classes always had waitlists and he even had to unlist his phone number to avoid calls at all hours of the day and night.

Jack enjoyed running, hiking, swimming, cycling, acting at Tacoma Little Theater and Lakewood Playhouse, performing stand-up comedy, and traveling. Jack was also committed to community service, serving as President of St. Patrick’s Parish Council, on Tacoma’s Economic Development Board, Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club’s Board, and with the Knights of Columbus. He was a big fan of Elvis, college basketball and football, and the Tour de France. He kept in touch with his fellow soldiers and attended many Army reunions throughout the country.

Jack’s family and friends will never forget his outgoing personality, quick wit, and wacky sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, of 41 years, his son Rick (Sarah), his daughter Katey (Desmond), and granddaughter Matilda. He is also survived by his sister, Jill (Donald), along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at 1st Legacy Senior Care Home of University Place for their care of Jack in his final days.

A memorial mass for Jack will be celebrated on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11am at Saint Patrick Catholic Church of Tacoma, Washington. Jack will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or the Disabled American Veterans.