James Joseph Depalma

James Joseph De Palma, 92, made his last port of call on January 24, 2022. Jim was a man steadfastly devoted to his family. He sailed around the world … twice. He started and ran his own successful businesses, held several patents and has an originally engineered microchip in The Smithsonian Institute. He was a ham radio operator with contacts around the globe. If he wasn’t working, he was fishing and boating.

Jim was born in the Bronx, NY on January 23, 1930. The family moved to Dumont, NJ where he met his future wife in 8th grade. He and Bernice then went steady until they married in 1951. They lived happily, raised four children and stayed lovingly married for 70 years until Bernice died last August. Left to mourn him are 3 children: Toni DePalma of Urbana, OH, Tim DePalma and Teri Teasley in FL. He also leaves grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim was dedicated to his alma mater, the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, Long Island. He inspired us all as he lived his life by its motto: ACTA NON VERBA (Deeds Not Words).
Having been a longtime member of the Halifax River Yacht Club and an officer and past commander of the Daytona Beach Sail and Power Squadron, a reception in his memory will be held at the Yacht Club in Daytona Beach, FL this summer.
A private memorial service will take place at the Merchant Marine Academy in September and his ashes committed to the sea off Kings Point.

Walter and Lewis Funeral Home of Urbana handled the local arrangements. The family suggests making a memorial gift to the Academy (www.usmma.edu).