From World Cruises to Trillium Woods, Jim and Della Daughton Continue Their Adventure Together
July 24, 2026
From World Cruises to Trillium Woods, Jim and Della Daughton Continue Their Adventure Together
Some couples collect souvenirs.
Jim and Della Daughton have collected continents, lifelong friendships, extraordinary stories — and more than 1,300 nights at sea.
After traveling the world together for more than two decades, the longtime adventurers discovered something unexpected: one of the best destinations they ever found was home.
This September marks 11 years since the Daughtons moved to Trillium Woods, Plymouth, MN’s premier Life Plan Community, and after a lifetime of exploration, entrepreneurship, and unforgettable experiences, they say they couldn’t be happier with where their journey has led.
“We love it here,” Della says. “The wonderful people, the activities, the food, the staff — it’s just been a wonderful choice.”
A Life Built Together
Jim and Della married 38 years ago in what was a second marriage for both. Together they blended families, celebrated seven grandchildren and now one great-grandson, while also weathering life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
Their careers were equally impressive.
After earning a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Iowa State University, Jim worked at IBM before joining Honeywell, where he met Della, an electrical technician who spent 25 years with the company.
Early retirement wasn’t the end of their careers — it was the beginning of an entirely new chapter.
Working from a small office in their home, they founded NVE Corporation, helping build the innovative electronics company into a successful publicly traded business specializing in advanced integrated circuit technology. Their entrepreneurial spirit, determination, and teamwork laid the foundation for a company that continues today.
Jim also found another calling as an author, writing six books and helping to found a writers group. One of his favorite projects, a coffee table book titled Travels with Della, chronicles the couple’s remarkable adventures around the globe.
Seeing the World, One Voyage at a Time
Beginning in 2003, the Daughtons embarked on what became an extraordinary travel tradition.
Over the next 21 years, they completed nine world cruises — most lasting four and a half months — along with additional voyages through South America and Alaska, spending more than 1,300 nights aboard ultra-luxury ships.
Their travels carried them to nearly every corner of the globe.
There was Antarctica, whose breathtaking landscapes remain among their favorite memories.
They explored Petra in Jordan, stood among the ancient wonders of Egypt, and visited the Holy Land, where they baptized each other in the Jordan River and shared St. Peter’s fish on the shores of the Sea of Galilee on Good Friday.
They’ve navigated around South Africa after geopolitical unrest closed the Suez Canal, learned shipboard safety procedures while sailing through waters near pirate activity, and formed friendships with fellow travelers from around the world — many of whom they later visited in their home countries.
“The world is so interesting,” Della says. “You learn so much seeing new places and meeting new people.”
For Jim, cruising offered a rare chance to truly relax.
“I didn’t have to drive. I didn’t have to figure out rental cars,” he says. “Everything was taken care of.”
Life aboard ship also suited their curiosity. The Daughtons gravitated toward educational lectures, history presentations, geography programs, and cultural experiences in each new port.
In many ways, they say, life at Trillium Woods feels surprisingly familiar as they enjoy the same sense of hospitality, convenience, and community they experienced during years of world travel.
“We always say this is kind of like living on a cruise ship,” Jim laughs. “Only you’ve got your car downstairs.”
Choosing the Right Place Before They Needed It
The Daughtons journey to Trillium Woods was the result of the same thoughtful planning that guided much of their lives.
“We knew we had to take care of ourselves,” Della says. “And we made the decision to move on our own terms.”
Just as importantly, they wanted to remain close to their children and grandchildren in Minnesota rather than relocating elsewhere.
They were among Trillium Woods’ earliest residents, moving in during the community’s first year. They purchased their home before ever seeing it completed. When they finally toured their residence wearing construction hard hats, they were surprised by how large it was.
“I actually had to bring furniture back,” Della laughs. “I thought I’d downsized too much.”
Today, their spacious apartment — with its inviting screened porch overflowing with colorful flowers — has become a favorite gathering place for friends.
Staying Engaged Every Day
Retirement hasn’t slowed either of them.
Jim remains an avid reader of history, enjoys writing, and spent many years playing competitive bridge before becoming a familiar face at Trillium Woods’ Hand and Foot games.
Also a book-lover (of geography, biographies, and autobiographies), Della plays Hand and Foot, but can often be found enjoying Mah Jongg with friends.
She’s also devoted countless volunteer hours to ENCORE, Trillium Woods’ resident-run resale shop. For years, she helped organize donations, prepare merchandise, and manage one of the community’s most popular annual sales.
“It has been a lot of work,” she says with a smile, “but a lot of fun.”
When Minnesota weather cooperates, you’ll often find the couple relaxing among the flowers on their deck or heading out to enjoy the beautiful campus.
For them, Trillium Woods offers the best of both worlds: independence, friendships, engaging activities, and the confidence that higher levels of care are nearby should they ever need them.
A Continuing Adventure
The Daughtons don’t regret a single mile they’ve traveled.
After visiting some of the world’s most remarkable destinations, Jim and Della know what makes a place special. For them, it isn’t simply beautiful surroundings — it’s the people, the opportunities to remain engaged and active, and the feeling of belonging. More than a decade after moving in, they’re still discovering all three at Trillium Woods.
To discover if Trillium Woods is the right community for you or someone you love, schedule a tour at https://www.trilliumwoodslcs.com or call 763-744-9440.
