James Delaney

James H. Delaney, a San Diego native and career United States Air Force officer, died on June 21, 2025, at his home in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, at age 84. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years Barbara, son Jim, daughter Meg, and five grandchildren, Jack, Kate, and James Delaney, Andrew Shaver, and Braden Moiles. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret, and brother Tom, and is survived by his brothers Phil and Steve.

Jim was born on December 16, 1940, in San Diego, CA, and attended Point Loma High School. After graduating from the University of San Diego in 1962, Jim earned his Air Force commission by completing Officer Training School in San Antonio, TX. His first assignment was at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, OR, followed by a tour in Thailand where he was assigned postal and administrative duties in support of Southeast Asia combat operations. Upon return to the U.S. in 1967, he joined the faculty of Loyola University of Los Angeles as an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies.

In 1970, Jim was assigned to the Pentagon, during which time he also earned a Master of Science in Administration degree from George Washington University. After a two-year tour in Washington, D.C., he was sent to the Air Force Personnel Center in San Antonio where he specialized in administrative office career development. He left that tour for assignment to the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA, during which time he married Barbara Doran of San Antonio, and prepared for their NATO assignment to Oslo, Norway, in 1976.

Jim spent a year as the military assistant for the Air Deputy, Allied Forces Northern Europe (NATO), before being selected to be the Air Force Executive to General Alexander Haig, the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe (SACEUR) in Mons, Belgium. This two-year assignment resulted in his selection for the National War College class of 1980 and was subsequently promoted early to full Colonel. He had brief Pentagon tours in Operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Executive Services before being named the Air Force Director of Administration in 1983.

As the Air Force’s lead administrator, Jim was credited with revitalizing the work force by visiting 80 bases worldwide and commanding more than 60,000 administrators before his retirement in 1985 to become the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Force Aid Society, the official charity of the Air Force. He held this position for 24 years before retiring in 2010. An annual perpetual education grant in his honor was created by the Society to recognize his accomplishments.

Among his many career awards were The Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Joint service Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Force Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

His life will be celebrated with burial at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the University of San Diego’s Military and Veterans Program, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110.

Online condolences may be made at www.shallottefunerals.com

White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte Chapel