Despite Retirement, GreenFields of Geneva Resident Remains Active In Geneva Chamber of Commerce

“She’s a mentor, a historian, she’s got business savvy and she’s a friend to all generations. Age doesn’t apply to her in any way shape or form,” said Jean Gaines, president of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce about Jamie Daniel. The former owner of Miscella Real Estate in Geneva retired in 2012 yet is still actively involved in her community. Daniel is a valuable resource to the Geneva Chamber of Commerce of which she’s been a member for 30 years. “We pick her up to make sure she gets to the board meetings because we value her opinion,” said Gaines.

Daniel moved to GreenFields of Geneva earlier this year. On Daniel’s 93rd birthday, the staff from Geneva Chamber of Commerce brought lunch to GreenFields and celebrated with her. “Jamie is out and about in the community quite a bit but we’re always happy to welcome her family and friends here,” said Judi Donovan, executive director of GreenFields.

Daniel, who was born in New Albany, Mississippi, said that she found herself in the role of real estate executive, almost by accident. “I was a “career volunteer until 1973,” she said adding that she did “typical stay-at-home mom type stuff.” Daniel recalled, “I was on the state board of the League of Women Voters, president of the PTA at least four times, did a lot of church work, and was also involved with a hospital auxiliary.” In 1973, Daniel was asked to become the public information officer for a proposed 3000-acre town around Elburn. “I took the short-term job but three years later, unable to get zoning from Kane County, the mortgagor repossessed the property and asked me to sell the land and the farmsteads. I got a real estate license and thus Miscella was off to a good start,” she said. At first, Daniel said, she kept her real estate license a secret. “Heavens, I didn’t want anyone to know. That was way before ethics were controlled and real estate people were like the stereotypical used car salesman. We didn’t have a great reputation.”

Jamie found that she was specializing in selling historic homes in Geneva, but also sold farmland, lots and other houses. “I worked by myself until 2001. In 2005 I sold the company but kept working until I was 90 in 2012.”

In 1985, Daniel joined the board of the Chamber of Commerce. When she retired, she became a member emerita. “I still want to be involved,” she said. “We really value the contribution she made and has continued to make to the community,” said Gaines. A conference room at the Chamber of Commerce has been named in Daniel’s honor.

“The residents of GreenFields have remarkable stories, and Jamie is certainly a wonderful example. She is an integral part of Geneva’s history and is an active and important member of the community,” said Donovan.

GreenFields is an exceptional LifeCare community offering an ideal location, a wonderful retirement lifestyle. GreenFields offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing, with the most comprehensive plan available for long-term care if ever needed. For additional information, visit www.GreenFieldsOfGeneva.org.

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