James Timothy "Tim" Daniels, 71, of Camden, AR, passed away on November 12, 2025, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. He was defined by the relationships he nurtured with a spirit of servant leadership—known as son, brother, husband, dad, Papaw, friend, teacher, mentor, and most importantly, a child of God.

Born July 24, 1954, in El Dorado to Tommy and Zelma Vansickle Daniels, Tim spent his youth exploring the Moro Bay bottoms with his pet hog, BabyFace. As a young man, he was honored to be elected senior patrol leader by his fellow Eagle Scouts.

On August 11, 1973, he married Marsha Reap, and together they welcomed a son, J. Trent Daniels, seven years later. Becoming a dad and later "Papaw" was one of Tim's greatest joys. He believed deeply in the power of travel as education and invested countless hours planning meaningful trips for his family and for teachers on his beloved "Out West" journeys.

Tim was an active member and Sunday school teacher at Grace Baptist Church in Camden. He loved studying Scripture and meeting monthly with his pastor to explore the connections between the Bible, science, and the world around us.

A lifelong educator, Tim spent 37 of his 40 professional years at SAU Tech and Southern Arkansas University. A student-centered teacher and a natural leader, he served as Chair of the Biology Department and President of the SAU Faculty Senate. In his final year, he was honored by his colleagues as SAU's Honor Professor. For 30 years, he partnered with the South Central Service Cooperative to provide professional development, earning the affectionate name "The Science Man."

Tim is survived by his wife, Marsha; his son Trent; Trent's wife, Brande; and grandchildren James Taylor Daniels, Jenna Allison Daniels, Camryn Toland, Ashton Toland, and Payton Toland Davis; as well as Payton's husband, Braeden, and their daughter, Leah Kate Davis. He is also survived by his nephew, Dr. John Thomas Daniels, and niece, Cora Rebecca Green, along with many dear friends. Tim lived by the motto "others first, self last."

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church or to Southern Arkansas University's Education Renewal Zone.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 21, from 6–9 PM at Proctor Funeral Home in Camden. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, November 22, at 1 PM at Grace Baptist Church, with burial at Arlington Memorial Cemetery in El Dorado.