Lt. Col. James Diley, Jr.

Lt. Col., James Monette Diley, Jr., (USAF, RET.), age 94, of Delaware, OH, passed away November 28, 2011. James was born in Rudolph, OH on September 12, 1917 to James M. Diley, Sr. and Cora Ann Hines Diley. James was preceded in death by parents, stepmother Mary Lucile Richardson Diley, brothers Foster and Lewis and sister Eloise Throckmorton. James was raised in Waverly, OH. After graduation from W.H.S, he earned a B.Sc. at The Ohio State University. He enlisted in the US Army Corps and earned a commission and a pair of wings. He was assigned to the 6th Bomb Group and became a B-29 crew member. In 1945 the group was stationed on North Field, Tiniam Island; the largest air field in the world. Bombing operations and the destruction of Japan followed. Both atomic bombs were flown from North Field. During the Korean Conflict; James was stationed at Randolph Field of Korea, where the Koreans learned to fly and operate the ROKAF. James has two lifesaving landings on Iwo Jima. He saw firsthand what the US Marines did on Iwo and from these experiences gained great admiration and respect for the United States Marine Corps. After the war, James spent 4 years in charge of the Capital University AFROTC program. James and university President, Dr. Harold Yocum, became lifelong friends. James ended his military career at Wilmington AFB, where he was in charge of reserve training in a 3 state area. Having flown combat and serving in 2 wars James earned many medals and awards. In 1949, James earned a M.A. degree from OSU and pursued a second career in public school education. He taught 3 years at Williamsport, served 3 years at York Local (Superintendent), 2 years at Urbana Local (Supt.), 4 years at Mechanicsburg (Supt.), 5 years at North Fork, Utica (Supt.) and 8 years Scioto Darby City Schools, (Hilliard) as Supt. He retired from the work force in 1975. James is survived by beloved wife Mary of 35 years and daughters Brenda (Jeffrey) Holmes and Jeanne (Ronald) Quick, his son James T. Diley, grandchildren Ryan and Chris Downing, Lauren and Kelly Holmes, Aaron and Kyle Quick, brother George Diley, sister Mary L. Diley and special niece Karen Robison. Following James wishes, there will be no services. Cremation has taken place.