Jul 28, 1958 — Aug 7, 2026
James Dan Mott, lovingly known by many as “Dan the Man” and “Dangerous Dan,” was born on July 28, 1958, in O’Donnell, Texas, to Wayne and Nancy Mott. He passed away surrounded by his children and grandchildren on August 7, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, at the age of 68.
Dan was a man who never met a stranger. He was outgoing, outspoken, full of personality, and never one to hold back what was on his mind. What you saw was what you got with Dan, and his family and friends loved him for exactly that. He had a way of making himself known wherever he went, and his presence was impossible to miss.
Dan spent 12 years working for FedEx before retiring in 2025. Before his career with FedEx, he was a licensed barber and spent time cutting hair. His family can certainly attest to his skills—or at least to his signature style. His barber chair still remains at his home, a little piece of the many lives he touched along the way.
Dan loved being outdoors and could often be found working in his yard. His yard was a source of pride and was the envy of his neighbors. He enjoyed golf, sitting outside, listening to live music, and spending time with friends. He especially enjoyed playing shuffleboard with his friends at the Robin’s Nest.
But above all else, Dan loved his family. One of his greatest joys was showing up for his grandchildren. Whether it was a sporting event, an activity, or simply spending time together, if one of his grandkids was involved, Dan was there. He was their biggest fan, and in Dan’s eyes, his grandkids could do no wrong. He was also known for enthusiastically sharing his opinions with referees and umpires—especially when he believed they had made the wrong call.
Dan’s faith was also an important part of his life. He grew up attending the Methodist Church and was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Nancy Mott; his wife, Denise Mott; his grandparents; and other loved ones who went before him.
Those left to cherish Dan’s memory include his children, Chad Swinford and wife Lea of Tahoka, and their children, Karlie Swinford and Kaycee Swinford; Amber Rose and husband Chris Rose of Lamesa, and their son, Hunter Rose; and Amanda Mott and her partner, Jeremy Pauda of Wolfforth, and her daughters, Rhianna Miranda and Emersyn Miranda.
He is also survived by his sister, Danna Brownlow and husband Bryan Brownlow, and Aunt Louise Moore, along with his many cousins, nieces and nephews, countless friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
Dan leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories, laughter, arguments with referees, perfectly maintained yards, live music, time spent outdoors, and, most importantly, a family who loved him deeply.
He will be missed more than words can express, but his memory will live on in every story told, every laugh shared, every ballgame attended, and in the hearts of the people who knew him best.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 12 at Combest Family Funeral Homes in Tahoka from 6 to 8 PM.
Celebration of Life will be Thursday, August 13 at 10:00 AM at Sweet Street Baptist Church in Tahoka.
Rest easy, Dan the Man. You will never be forgotten.
