James Joseph Delaney

Jim was born on January 3, 1953, in Harrisburg, PA, to the late Josephine A. (Brophy) and James H. Delaney. He attended St. Theresa Elementary School in New Cumberland and Trinity High School in Camp Hill where he graduated in 1970. Following graduation, Jim spent two years at Penn State University York Campus where he had the opportunity to play golf and basketball for the campus teams.

In 1972, he made the move to Penn State University Park Campus. Shortly after arriving, he joined Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE) fraternity. There he met a group of brothers who became lifelong friends and a cherished extension of his family for more than 50 years. Not only did he make lasting friendships, he also met his future wife, Mary Roth.

Jim graduated from Penn State in 1975 with a B.S. in Biology. He earned a Master’s of Environmental Pollution Control from Penn State in 1988 and qualified for his Professional Engineer’s (PE) license in 1989.

His working life centered on environmental issues, specifically water and waste water treatment, pumping, transmission, and storage. He worked for both large and small engineering firms as a designer, project manager, and client contact. Most recently, he was President of Delaney Engineering, Inc., established in 2002, and co-owner of Facility Operation and Maintenance, Inc., from 2012 until his retirement in 2021.

In his earlier days, Jim enjoyed golfing and running, along with hunting, fishing, and backpacking with his fraternity brothers. In his more recent days, these activities took a backseat to his love for his classic sports car, a 1974 Triumph TR6, which he enjoyed driving through the countryside whenever the sun shone.

Throughout his life, Jim had a passion for music and movies and was in a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. He was a natural entertainer and storyteller who captivated both friends and strangers alike. He was also a diehard Penn State fan, cheering for the Nittany Lions through the triumphs and tribulations of each football and basketball season.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary, and two daughters, Christine of Virginia Beach, VA, and Maureen, of Baltimore, MD.

At Jim’s request, there will be no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Homeland at Home, online at https://bit.ly/HomelandAtHomeContributions or by check at:

Homeland Hospice

Attn: Myra Badorf

2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270

Harrisburg, PA 17110