Daniel "Hippie" James

Daniel "Hippie" James 50, of Chattanooga TN, passed away Monday, April 21 2025.

"Hippie" was employed with Worldwide Mack and Volvo for 25 years. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronnie Wayne James and daughter Aryona Leigh James

Survivors include his lifelong best friend & ex-wife Jamie Lynn James & children Ashley Louise and Alexavier Nico; Mother, Sandra & Stephen King; Siblings, Laura & Jason Cobb (Mackinsey Melton Aidan Melton) Brother...Ronnie James (Britni Estep, Jess, Sophia Victoria). Best Friend Robert Baker

In Loving Memory of a Father, Mentor, and Best Friend, Brother, Uncle,

To my mentor and one of my best friends--

You taught me more than I could ever express, and I only hope that one day I can live up to the example you set. You were one of the most patient and wise people I've ever known, always ready to share your knowledge, whether it was about fixing electrical problems or navigating the tougher lessons in life. You helped shape the mother and woman I am and have become, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

As their best friend and father to our three children, you embodied a supportive and nurturing co-parenting dynamic that went far beyond any traditional role. You weren't just their parent-you were their friend, mentor, and confidant. In your care, they always felt safe sharing their thoughts and experiences, knowing you would listen, guide, and encourage them with kindness and respect. Your example fostered strong emotional bonds and created a home where love, trust, and laughter thrived.

You were more than a father figure-you were my teammate in life. Your late-night talks, your fishing trips, those long car rides filled with your stories and "rules" for being happy, and your endless supply of dad jokes-they all meant the world to me and them. You had an uncanny way of seeing things clearly, knowing who their real friends were before they even did, and standing by us through every high and low. Good the bad and the ugly, better or worse sickness and in health till death do us part

You were also the best electrical master tech to ever work on a truck in Chattanooga. Some spend days trying to trace a fault-Danny would walk in and, within thirty minutes to an hour, have it fixed. Your gift for electrical work was astonishing; you outperformed everyone and made it look effortless.

Your passion for drag racing was infectious. You taught us that life, like a race, is about balancing speed with precision, and that the thrill comes from pushing boundaries while respecting the rules of the road.

You were an incredible father, friend, and teacher. No one else could ever fill your shoes. He was an extraordinary father, a loyal friend, and an inspiring teacher-truly irreplaceable. We will carry his guidance and our shared love of music in our heart, and strive every day to live up to the example he set. His infectious laughter, endless jokes, and unwavering positivity made him someone you could turn to without fear of judgment. Danny showed that calmness under pressure is a gift: when you stay composed, those around you follow your lead. While we can't control the actions of others, we can choose our own happiness and banish negativity. Even in the darkest moments, he always found a spark of hope-and I promise to honor his legacy by doing the same.

A Good One

One day, I'll be just a memory in the hearts of those I loved.

I only hope to be a good one-soft in the recall, warm in the echo.

Grief, it doesn't knock. It floods.

Even in silence, while I sit and stare into nothing, inside me, a storm is screaming.

They say, "You'll always have the memories." And they're right.

But they don't know-those memories burn.

They slice the stillness, reminding me of everything I can no longer hold.

So, if I'm to become a memory, let me be one that brings peace, not pain.

A whisper, not a wound.

You are deeply missed-and forever loved.