James Delony

James Calhoun Delony, 98, passed away at home on February 14, 2017 in Linville, Virginia.

Jim was born in Charco, Texas on July 18, 1918, the third of four sons of Sarah Callaway and John Delony. With the untimely loss of his father in 1932, he went to work early in a retail store, a cotton gin and later in the oil fields. He completed High School in Charco and then went on to business college. He entered active service in the United States Navy in1941and rose to the rank of Aviation Chief Radioman. He flew as a crew in dirigibles and later supervised a shop with 22 men that repaired aviation electrical equipment. He was training to become a pilot in Pensacola, Florida until his flight class was put on hold as the Second World War wound down, and he was honorably discharged in 1945.

Utilizing the GI Bill, Jim went on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas . He worked as a n engineer for various power companies before beginning a career in civil service. He served for over 25 years as an engineer for the US Air Force while stationed in Texas, Spain and Georgia.

Jim married his devoted wife Jean Midgette Delony in 1951 in Austin, Texas and enjoyed a 46 year love relationship and friendship until she was lost in 1997. He loved working with horses and with his hands, embracing all the outdoor activity that comes with being a Texas landowner and passing many skills on to his children. Jim had a long- term faith with roots in the Church of Christ which blossomed late in life as he made a decision to live as a devoted disciple.

Jim is survived by his son Lee Delony, daughters Marie Delony Baulch and Annette Jefferies, granddaughters Lauren Delony and Jessica Desper, grandson Matthew Delony and great-grandsons Liam Desper and Finnigan Desper. H e is preceded in death by his wife, Jean Midgette Delony, his brothers John M Delony, William C Delony, and David L Delony, and his son, James Patrick Delony.

A memorial service will be held at Schertz Funeral Home, 2217 FM 3009, Schertz, Texas, 78154 on April 23, 2017 at 1 :30pm. Jim's resting place is the cemetery in Runge, Texas alongside generations of his family.

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