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James Edward Delany

James Delany Obituary

James E. Delany VIRGINIA BEACH - James Edward Delany, 49, of Clermont, Fla., passed away Sept. 7, 2009, at the Mike Conley Hospice House. He was born March 29, 1960, in Merced, Calif., son of David and Bernadette nee Lathrop Delany and grew up in Anchorage, Ala. He was a pilot for Air-Tran and a Florida resident since 2008 from Virginia Beach. Surviving are his wife, Julie nee Sundstrom Delany of the residence; daughters, Margaret, Megan and Martie Delany of Newport News; parents, David and Bernadette Delany of Bend, Ore.; and brother, Sean (Candace) Delany of Santa Fe, Texas. The family will have a memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at their residence and suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be considered for the education of his daughters, through Wachovia Bank, account number 1010258064023, or checks sent to FBO Margaret, Megan, and Martie Delany, c/o Sean Delany, 1909 FM 646 N, Santa Fe, TX 77510. Becker Funeral Home, Clermont, Fla., (352) 394-7121, is in charge.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Sep. 10, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Delany

18 Entries

Donald Keech

September 4, 2025

Love and miss you my friend. Some of the best times of my life! See you soon!

Donald Keech

June 13, 2023

My heart is broken to find out this late of the passing of my dear friend Jimmy.
My name is Don Keech, and I grew up with Jimmy in Anchorage, Alaska. I not only worked for his construction company building houses, but when I became homeless he made sure I had a job and a place to stay. We had many adventures and shared more than a few close-calls together. His absolute zest for life continually empowered me and although we lost touch many years ago, I still draw strength from his inspiration to this very day. He taught me to believe anything was possible. And to this very day he is the most unique individual I have ever met.
I hope someday to hear from his daughters so I can tell them what an incredible friend he was in his teen years and what an impact he had on someone who's future was less than certain. I believe I owe him for my very existence. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of his loved ones bereavement, and leave them only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the knowledge that he made a monumental difference in this mans life.

Michael Gagnon

September 19, 2009

Dear David ,Bernie and Julie and immediate Family of Jim I will never forget the fun times I had growing up in Talus west with Jim. The sleep-overs etc...Dave & Bernie I can hardly imagine what grief that your going through as burying a child before his time. It is so very hard. To Sean I can remember when your parents brought you home how you grew up so fast.I lost my brother Jerry 6 yrs ago. And to you Julie I am not sure that I meet you before but I think I have once when Jim and you made a fishing trip to Anchorage from Va. Many many yrs ago. My prayers are with you all and may you all be blessed. And may the tails wind carry Jim with God's speed and blessings.

Robert Stuart

September 16, 2009

I had the privilege of flying with Jim a few times at ACA/FLYi and running into him on our Orientation Day at AirTran ("Guess I'm back in ******* right seat" was his sly respone to my hello...classic). Jim was one of the overall best Captains I ever flew with and, like everyone says, he truly did have many a great story and a way of making everyone around him laugh. I know being awarded a line with Jim gave one bragging rights in the lounge! I still remember my first flight with him at ACA, my last flight with him at AirTran, and those several in between. My thoughts and prayers go to the Delany family. Thank you for sharing Jim with us for many years. May your many memories of him bring you warm comfort in this difficult time.

Fritz

September 13, 2009

Dear Bernie, Dave and Family,
I never really got to know Jimmy, but heard many great stories while working with Bernie at UBA in Anchorage, Alaska, and heard of his marriage, and the birth of his children through his Mom, whom was always very proud of her sons and family. In your sorrow, may you find a peace and hope for all your tomorrows. We are so sorry to hear of your loss, and know you are in my heart, and on my mind and in my prayers in this time of grieving.

With Sympathy and Love,
Debbie, Robert, Graydon, Heather, Deryk & Briahna
(Debbie Blank Montgomery)

Jeff Simpson

September 12, 2009

I'll never forget that first phone call I got from Jim, to me in Maintenance Control at ACA, "Jeff?" Yes sir? You must be the FNG, here's what I got, I'm out of the gate. Both engines running, and I've got this problem..." Well Jim, let's see if we can reset? Let's go,...Hey it's good! If it happens again I'll ACARs you or call you enrange. I need to get these folks to Dulles." He was always safe, could fly anything, and make you feel like a long time friend even when you just met. My prayers go out to his family and his extend family.

Michael Richards

September 12, 2009

Jim, I'll never forget all the times you came to the SOC with your little girl before your late night flights. We could always count on you to get the airplane home. I'll never forget the night you had us all over and we had such a wonderful time. Then we talked at AirTran and talked about meeting up once you got settled in here in Orlando. I'm glad to have known you. You will be missed by me and the rest of the AirTran family. God bless you and your family. This is never goodbye but simply "see you later".

Diane Miller

September 12, 2009

So very sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. Dave and Bernie, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I've often wondered where life had led all of you. Please extend my condolences to his wife and children. I love all of you and please know that you have all been a part of my life, even after all of these years, because the memories are so wonderful!

Pete Bedell

September 12, 2009

I'll never forget Jim's generosity in having me and my copilot over to his house when we had a Norfolk layover on Christmas many years ago. I didn't even know the guy and here he was inviting 2 strangers over to his house for Christmas. Instead of rotting in a hotel room with no place to go, I got to hang with the Delanys sharing good times--as well as a few drinks! Even though I never flew with Jim, I'll never forget him and our Christmas together.

Ken Hand

September 11, 2009

When I started working for ACA, Jim was one of the first Captains with whom I flew. I couldn't have been more lucky: He was a great mentor who put me -a nervous, new First Officer- at ease immediately. I remember him telling me of his Alaska trips -and making me laugh so hard it hurt. Jim was expert in his flying and in the way he treated folks. His voice could easily be recognized on the frequency; I know I wasn't the only one who'd smile at the sound of it. About 10 years after my first flight with Jim, the cirumstances of our airline found me, once again, to be in the right seat beside Jim. Our flight together to Seattle remains one of the bright spots in my memory of that challenging time. Godspeed, Jim. You will be missed by all of us.

nida naeem

September 10, 2009

so sorry to hear the news, he was a good man and will be always rememberd.

carol tumas

September 10, 2009

My most sincere condolences...Jim was a fantastic guy who always made me laugh...he was considerate, loving, funny and loyal...he was a tremendous pilot and Independencer Air was better because he flew for them...he will be missed...and he will remain in my prayers as will his family. My life is better because "Delaney" passed through it. Thanks for sharing him with us.

Randy Ott

September 10, 2009

Sorry to hear about Jim's passing. What memories we had flying with him at ACA...... TAILWINDS and BLUE SKIES JIM!

Craig Lyon

September 10, 2009

Dave and Bernie,

So sorry to hear the news. Jimmy was one of those people who never failed to make you smile and laugh. I don't think I've ever met someone so full of life. I know your hearts are heavy but keep the memory of his laughter always in your mind. He will be missed.

Craig

Christopher Kuchnicki

September 10, 2009

Julie and family... Jim will be missed by so many people. It was always a pleasure back at ACA/Independence Air to fly with Jim. When you saw his name on your crew list before a trip, you knew you were in for a good time. He always made you laugh and had GREAT stories to tell about something. I will always smile when I think of him. You have my deepest condolences during this time. Julie thanks for getting back to me and letting me know that he went peacefully, that made me feel better. May he rest in peace!

Love,

Chris Kuchnicki
SWA BWI Flight Attendant and former Independence Air Flight Attendant.

Kelly Knysch

September 10, 2009

Thank you for all the wonderful memories at ACA/ FLYI ! My thoughts and prayers are with the Delany Family. May you rest in peace.. I will always remember your smile and laugh..

Angela Martin

September 10, 2009

You will be greatly missed Jim. My condolences to the Delany Family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Angela Gunter Martin

September 10, 2009

Thanks for the wonderful memories at ACA.... you were a great Pilot, Father, and Husband. May you rest in Peace now My friend.

Tracie Johnson
Virginia Beach,
VA

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