James Edward Daman

James Edward Daman, age 76, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2017, after a long struggle with cancer. Jim died at home with his wife of 55 years, Karen, by his side.

Jim was born on December 17, 1940, in Humboldt, Iowa. Jim graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a teaching degree in English. He later obtained his Master's Degree from Mankato State University. Jim spent 37 years teaching and many more learning. His stops included a beginning in Yuma, Arizona, a long and rewarding stay as lead teacher at Riverside School in Bemidji, and his years culminated at Bemidji High School, where his youngest son, Tom, had him as an English teacher. Jim was passionate about learning. He was a voracious reader and read thousands of books in his lifetime. He embraced technology and loved his Kindle, his computer, his camera, and his HD television. Jim even had a darkroom for developing pictures in his house in the 1960's and 70's before digital cameras became the norm.

Jim had wide and varied interests over the course of his life. He spent many hours hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He was also consumed with activities such as photography, trivia questions, picture framing, and building golf clubs. For years, Jim and his sons spent many days at their cabin near Northome. His wife and daughter enjoyed those trips! Jim's golf career included being a member of the Northern Iowa golf team and a decades long member of Bemidji Town and Country Club . Jim was infatuated with golf during his life. He was a fierce competitor who loved the game. Jim found great joy in the successes his sons, grandsons, and granddaughter enjoyed in the sport. Jim also had a 300 game in bowling to his credit. This came after a high school job spent as a manual pinsetter. Jim will miss his coffee and golf pals dearly.

Jim is survived by his wife, Karen, daughter, Sarah (Bill), and sons, Hearst (Deena), Paul (Erica), Tom, and Ted, and 8 grandchildren. Jim also has surviving sisters in Jill and Nancy. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ethel, and his younger brother, Jack.

No funeral services will be held, however, those who knew Jim and would like to participate in his final trivia challenge are invited to the Bemidji Town and Country Club for coffee, treats, and trivia on Saturday, October 7th, at 10:00 a.m. Memorials to Evergreen Youth and Family Services of Bemidji or Hospice of Bemidji. Arrangements for cremation were handled by Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home of Bemidji.

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