Col. James E. Dau, USMC (Ret.)

Jim, age 83, went to be with the LORD and Savior on April 24, 2026, after an intense battle with multiple myeloma due to exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam. Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and a man of deep faith and trust in the LORD. He lived a life marked by courage, service, humility, and faithfulness.

Born in Chicago to humble and loving parents Ed and Irma Dau, Jim was a true Chicago boy at heart. From an early age, he embodied a strong work ethic, taking on multiple Chicago paper routes by the fifth grade. He spent his childhood playing sports at Kosciuszko Park and cherished his visits to his grandparents in Michigan.

Jim attended Northwestern University on a full football scholarship, where he played all four years. After graduating, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. During the Vietnam War, he bravely flew 265 combat missions, rescuing Recon teams and transporting severely injured Marines, flying into zones of heavy enemy fire. Throughout his life, he embodied selflessness and courage.

Jim and Peggy took their vows to love and cherish each other in marriage on August 31, 1968. Jim subsequently left for Vietnam in November of that year.

Following his return home, Jim pursued his passion for creativity by enrolling at the Brooks Institute of Photography where he obtained another degree. He continued his distinguished military career, retiring from the Marine Corps as a Colonel.

In his later years 1999-2017, Jim devoted himself to ministry work, serving with Voice of the Martyrs first as CEO and later as President of the ministry. He also partnered with Iran Alive, helping to find ways to deliver the Gospel to the Iranian people and encourage believers in Iran. His heart was deeply committed to supporting both Veterans and Christians facing hardship and persecution.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Peggy; their children, Jimmy, Amy and her husband Bryan, and Dan and his wife Becky; ten grandchildren; Luke and his wife Miriam, Emily and her husband Will, Oliver and his wife Bekah, Christine, Heidi, Peter, Paul, Danny James, Sophia, Mattea, great granddaughter baby Marie, and one in the basket due in May; his sister Barbara and her husband George, his brother Ken and his wife Debbie. He is also survived by Peggy’s family, who he was also close to: Don and his wife Helen, Brian and his wife Cathleen, Kathie, and Pamela and her husband, Bob.

A service of “Thanksgiving for the Life of Jim Dau” will be held on May 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM at First Wesleyan Church, Bartlesville: 1776 Silver Lake Rd. Visitation to meet family and out of town friends on May 21st, 6PM – 8PM at Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home , 710 Dewey Ave, Bartlesville, 74003, Buriel Commitment May 22, 2:30 PM at Ft Gibson, 1423 Cemetery Road, Fort Gibson, OK 74434.

Jim had a deep appreciation for beauty in many forms, but his life was defined by his love for his family, his friends, his Marines, and many he served.

The family kindly asks that any donations offered in his memory be made to organizations listed below and where his heart was - for people.

NationsNet.org, Operation Restored Warrior, Mighty Oaks Foundation, ChinaAid.org.

Peggy and their family are grateful for the many expressions of love and prayers that have been given as they have been walking through this difficult journey to Jim’s glorious reward with the Savior and LORD. Arrangements have been entrusted to Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home and Cremation Service. To send an online condolence, visit www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.