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Francis Delaney Obituary

Passed away peacefully on Monday, April 2, 2012 in Santa Rosa. He was 91 years young. Jim is survived by his wife Mary Lou, the love of his life for the past 65 years. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his sons and their wives: Kevin and Kim Delaney of Huntington Beach, Tim and Leigh Anne Delaney of Santa Rosa, Joe and Dana Delaney of San Rafael; plus five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Jim was born in Butte, MT and raised in San Francisco. He attended Sacred Heart High School and University of Notre Dame. Jim was a World War II Naval Officer, serving in the pacific theatre. He was a world-class track and field athlete and competed in the 1948 London Olympics, winning the silver medal in the shot put. Jim was with Steelcase, Inc. most of his working career. He retired in 1987 as Vice President and General Manager of the West Coast division in Tustin, CA. He enjoyed flying, and obtained his pilot's license the same year as his wife and oldest son. Jim returned to the Bay Area in 1998 where he took residence in the Fountaingrove community of Santa Rosa. The family would like to thank all those who gave us support throughout this challenging time, especially the Sutter Hospital staff whose kindness and care will never be forgotten. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, April 13 from 4:00-8:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Eggen & Lance Chapel, and a Funeral Mass on Saturday, April 14 at 11:00 a.m., at St. Eugene's Cathedral in Santa Rosa and a reception to follow at the Fountaingrove County Club. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018 or St. Eugene's Cathedral, 2323 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. Family assisted by Santa Rosa Mortuary Eggen and Lance Chapel

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Apr. 8 to Apr. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Shawn Dahlem

April 17, 2012

The Olympic Club lost a great long time Olympian. I was fortunate to meet Jim and Mary Lou when Jim was inducted into the OC Hall of Fame in 2008 and enjoyed speaking with the two of them at later induction events.

Judy & Bryan

April 15, 2012

We were so saddened to hear of Uncle Jim's death, and our hearts go out to Aunt Lou and the family. We feel very fortunate to have been able to visit in Santa Rosa last year. While Uncle Jim was declining then, there was still strong evidence of his gentle kindness and great dignity. He will be sorely missed.

Jayne Abston

April 9, 2012

Jim was a very thoughtful & kind person. He was also an exceptional leader at Steelcase in Tustin. I was very fortunate to have worked with him for 9 yrs, until his retirement. Jim, thanks for all the great memories...you'll never be forgotten!

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