James Daniel Chaudoin

James Daniel “Danny” Chaudoin of Scott City, Missouri began his journey into the unknown peacefully, but unexpectedly while he slept in the comfort of his bed, during the morning hours of Thursday December 17, 2020 due to complications related to Covid-19. At only 50 years old, Danny had a lifetime of hopes, plans and dreams still laid before him. We remain shocked by such a devastating loss to us.

Danny was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in October 1970 to his beloved mother, Charlotte Stearns, who passed away October 08, 2020 in Fredricktown, Missouri. Danny graduated from Jackson H.S. in Jackson, Missouri in 1989.

Raised in Millersville, Missouri under the watchful eyes and guidance of his grandparents, Ruby and Elmer Stearns, both deceased, Danny was taught three major constants he would carry with him until his passing: mechanics, music appreciation and military honor.

From his earliest days until Elmer’s passing in 1980, his grandfather taught him all things to do with mechanics, a skill and trade for which Danny was quite proficient. He was a highly trained and certified master mechanic at Syden Stricker Nobbe Partners in Scott City from 2014 until his passing. He genuinely enjoyed his work on John Deer equipment, chatting with his customers, the satisfaction of a hard day’s work and the company of his co-worker and good friend, Tim. He also had a great deal of respect and loyalty for the company, turning down occasional offers without hesitation. He’d often say, “You can replace a job but not a job that treats you like family.”

Danny’s grandmother instilled in him a love and appreciation for music. Under Grandma Ruby’s insistence, Danny was enrolled in violin lessons at the age of 11, where he quickly mastered his instrument but bored of the classics and became uninterested. At the age of 15, he discovered Black Sabbath and his desire to learn guitar. He obtained one through trade but decided bass is what he was more interested in. Once again, his grandma stepped in to help pay for lessons. After a few lessons, his instructor said there was nothing more he could teach so Danny was off to discover on his own. Over the next years, he switches between guitar and bass and tries but dislikes drums, plays in a few local bands, where success is had via local radio play. He has 2 released LPs. He was currently working with a long-time friend, Curt, on new projects. Curtis will carry on, completing what they started. Danny’s music will continue to be heard in the years to come. Most recently, Danny was thrilled to be part of an underground metal band based in Slovenia, the Dominators, with founder and dear friend Boris. Two LPs were released with Danny as guitarist and bassist. A third LP was released with Boris under the name, Pusi Kraser. With both bands, Danny used the pseudonym Vortex Infernum. Danny was also an online DJ and content writer with Metal Messiah Radio Worldwide.

In 1996, after many years of delving into his family’s long history of service and at the encouragement of friends, Danny enlisted in the Army, beginning his career at Fort Leonard Wood. While in service, Danny flourished and decided to become a lifer. After a helicopter accident left him disabled, he was forced to accept an honorable discharge four years later. Within his time in the Army, Danny had received countless commendations, awards, certificates, as well as 3 medals: The Good Conduct Medal, The Army Achievement Medal and The Army Commendation Medal. Upon honorable exit, Danny’s rank was SPC and he was stationed at Fort Campbell in The 101 ^st Airborne (Screaming Eagles) Alpha Company 3 502 ^nd Infantry Division and was in the process of training for the Special Forces prior to his injury. This was his life’s greatest honor and achievement.

Danny is survived by his loving and adoring fiancé, Amy Jo King (of the home), whom he had plans to marry in the spring of 2021; two stepsons, and fellow war historian, Jesse D. King and fellow metal head, Anthony M. Figliolo both of Kelso, Missouri; stepdaughter, Caylee M. Figliolo (Dylan) and their precious granddaughter, Addisyn (Addi) Jo Figliolo all of Chaffee, Missouri. He is also survived by his most cherished and beloved brother, Edgar “Eddie” M. Chaudoin, whom he adored above all others.

In addition, Danny is survived by several of the most incredible friends, former and current bandmates, co-workers and online family including, but not limited to: Curtis (Khara) Babers of Scott City; Montica (Mom) Babers-Schoenebeck of Jackson; Richard McGaugh of Cape Girardeau; Tim Dryer of Perryville; Ashleyrenee (Mitchell) Bryant of Chicago, Illinois; Ashley Stearns of Jackson; Kate Lowery of Scott City; Boris M. Habjanic-Ajkula of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Everyone at Metal Messiah Radio, among countless others.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, there will be no services for SPC Chaudoin at this time. An internment with honors ceremony will be held in August 2021 at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri. The family requests any donations be made in his name to: Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary by calling (573) 243-9823, visiting their page on Facebook or their website at safeharboranimals.org

Arrangements are with Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.