It is with the deepest love and reverence the Danielson family announces the death of their honored and beloved patriarch, Dr. James Neil Danielson, MD of Castle Rock, Washington.

Dr. Danielson (Jim) was closely surrounded by his family in Mesa, Arizona when he passed in his sleep on January 4, 2026 at age 71 years old. He will be greatly missed.

Jim was born on August 31, 1954 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to James Danielson and Laura Jane Perry Danielson. Jim, a tribal member of Cherokee Nation, was proud of his Cherokee heritage. Jim’s father James Danielson served indigenous people through various roles during his life. His father’s legacy inspired Jim’s exceptional work ethic. Throughout Jim’s remarkable life he carried the strength, wisdom, and resilience of his heritage, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Jim graduated from Lake Oswego High School in 1972. He joined the Navy in 1972, serving as a Corpsman. Jim was stationed at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California (Balboa Hospital) and served on the U.S.S John F. Kennedy. He was honorably discharged in 1976. Jim was a lifelong learner and accomplished scholar. Jim attended the University of Maryland, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology. Jim continued his academic journey at the University of North Dakota and joined the Indians into Medicine Program (INMED). Jim attended University of Minnesota Medical School earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 1987. After medical school Jim completed an Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency from 1987 to 1991 through Saginaw Cooperative Hospitals, Inc. at Saginaw General.

After completing his residency program, Jim took a position in 1991 for Indian Health Services at Sioux San Hospital serving indigenous families in Rapid City, South Dakota. In 1995, he entered into private practice in Rapid City. He served patients in various other locations throughout his 35 year medical career including Minnesota, Michigan, South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Washington, and finally Arizona. In 2013, Jim took a position at the Phoenix Medical Indian Center (PMIC) where he stayed until his retirement in 2022. Jim loved bringing life into this world and was dedicated to taking care of people.

His dedication to medicine went beyond personal achievement, it became a guiding light that inspired and shaped the lives of countless colleagues and students. Jim became a Clinical Assistant Professor for University of South Dakota School of Medicine. His accomplishments were recognized with numerous honors, including being nominated by his peers and students by awarding him the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics Excellence in Teaching Award where he was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Jim married Holly Rose Danielson on October 14, 1972 in Vancouver, Washington at the age of 18. Together, they raised three children and spent their lives loving and supporting each other. He shared a loving marriage of 53 years with his wife Holly. Jim’s greatest pride was his family. He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Jim’s love for his family was unwavering and his legacy lives on through them. Remaining to cherish Jim’s memory is the love of his life, wife Holly Rose Danielson; daughter Charity Danielson, son Christopher Danielson & daughter-in-law Ampah Dehaas Danielson, daughter Rachel Danielson Fetters & son-in-law Shad Fetters; grandchildren, Thomas Logan, Derek Logan, Kayla Danielson, Katherine Fetters, Emily Danielson, Patrick Fetters, Michael Fetters, Laura Danielson, Rinna Danielson; great-grandson, Royal Edwards; mother Jane Danielson; brother, Mike Danielson; sister, Becky Danielson Lease & brother-in-law Russ Lease, sister-in-law Sue Rose, bother-in-law Randy Vilhauer; and numerous nieces and nephews, including many other family members, friends, and colleagues.

Preceding Jim in death are his father, James Danielson; brother, Tony Danielson; grandson, Jacob Danielson; nephew, Jack Danielson; sister-in-laws, Kathy Rose Grendahl, and Judy Rose Vilhauer.

Dr. James Neil Danielson was a man of integrity, honor, and boundless dedication to the healthcare field. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, knowledge, and love that will continue to inspire generations to come. Jim will always be remembered for his contagious laugh and his sense of humor. He would often sit and tell stories of his adventures, his experiences, or just tell tall tales that would leave his audience in stiches. His laughter and stories will always warm our hearts. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, patients, and the countless lives he touched.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held in the spring of 2026. Sympathy cards may be sent to Danielson Family at 127 Annabelle Street, Castle Rock, WA 98611

A life well-lived, stories well-told, and a spirit that will forever guide us. Life Is Good!