LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Retired Major James H.
Delaune, United States Air Force, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Retired Major James "Jim" H. Delaune, United States Air
Force, died on January 16, 2014, at the age of 94; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 6, 1919, James H. Delaune was the son of the
late James and Anita Delaune; and
WHEREAS, His early years were spent with his brother Raymond building
model airplanes and urging his mother to take him to the local airfield
to see up close the objects of his fascination - airplanes; and
WHEREAS, In 1937, James H. Delaune enlisted in the Army Air Corp,
spending the next 30 years rising through the ranks of the United States
Air Force to eventually achieve the honorable rank of Major; and
WHEREAS, During World War II, James H. Delaune bravely flew as an air
gunner and was considered a marksman; he was later trained by the OSS,
the precursor to the CIA, to be a Counter Intelligence Officer; and
WHEREAS, James H. Delaune continued his service to his country as an
Aircraft Maintenance Officer during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts; he
was stationed in numerous places such as Itazuke, Japan; Reykjavik,
Iceland, and Stewart Air Force Base among many other installations; and
WHEREAS, During his career with the Air Force, he was awarded 13
patents for use by the Air Force; a number of these devices he designed
were copied and used by the air forces of many foreign countries; and
WHEREAS, James Delaune further served his Nation by contributing a
number of early aviation related historic documents, objects and photos
to The Smithsonian, and other national museums; and
WHEREAS, After retirement from the United States Air Force with the
esteemed rank of Major, James Delaune was employed by the U.S. Civil
Service as an Aircraft Propulsion System Engineer; while assigned to
Presque Isle, Maine, he spent many hours on the lakes and streams fly
fishing, which was his favorite hobby; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Anita and James Delaune; brother,
Raymond Delaune and nephew, Peter Delaune, James H. Delaune is survived
by his wife of 69 years, Amy R. Delaune; son, James H. Delaune III and
his wife, Sophie; daughter, Jeanine and husband, Dr. Thomas Glendening;
and grandchildren Sean, Shar, and Michael; as well as several cousins,
nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, James H. Delaune distinguished himself through his service,
dedication and substantial contributions to his State and Nation; he
leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Retired Major James Delaune, United States Air Force;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of James H. Delaune.