James “Jim” William Dellemann Oshkosh, Wisconsin, age 86, died at Aurora Medical Center surrounded by his family and RN Bethany on December 11, 2025.

James “Jim” was born to the late Herman and Emma (Reuteler) Dellemann on September 15, 1939. He grew up in Butte des Morts, WI, attending grades 1 through 6 at Butte des Mort School, which was a one room school and graduated from Winneconne High School in 1958. Jim’s mother died during childbirth bringing Jim into the world. It will be a joyous reunion when they meet each other for the first time.

He served his country in the USA Navy from 1959 to 1963. He was stationed at Naval Air Stations in Sanford, FL and for two years at Keflavik, Iceland.

He was employed by TWA at O’Hare Field Chicago in Illinois for 2 years after being honorably discharged from the US Navy. He then transferred to TWA at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, CA for 40 years. He moved back to Wisconsin in 2002. He was a tour guide for Rosendale Dairy during his retirement years.

He enjoyed watching football games, car races and attending the Indy 500. He spent many years motorcycle dirt bike racing while in California. He was able to travel to many countries as a TWA employee. He loved learning about the many farms in Wisconsin, going to cheese factories, Dairy Expos and Farm Progress Days. He enjoyed visiting his cousin Karen and her farm near Casco.

On March 1, 1978, Jim was recognized for his heroic actions. Rescuing over 200 passengers from the burning Continental flight 603, heading to Honolulu when it ran off the runway and burst into flames. There were 73 people injured, two died and 143 unharmed. Jim and a coworker were the first two at the scene to start getting the passengers off the plane. Eight TWA employees were involved in this rescue. Continental Airlines presented each with two free plane tickets to anywhere in the world that Continental Airlines flew. Jim chose to go to Africa and go on an African Safari.

Jim is survived by his sister Kathleen Hartzheim, Winneconne, WI; Two nieces; Michelle “Missy” Hartzheim, Central Wisconsin Center for the Developmentally Disabled in Madison, WI and Debra “Debbie” with her husband Andrew “Andy” Gross of Auroraville, WI; Two nephews; Michael “Mike” and his wife Mary Hartzheim of Midlothian IL, and Richard “Rick” Hartzheim of Appleton, WI. Great nieces; Megan Kennedy and her husband Ben Axt of Seattle WA, Amanda Kennedy of Hutchinson Island, SC, Katherine “Katie” Hartzheim of Midlothian IL; Sophie Hartzheim, of Champagne IL and Nora Hartzheim of St Augustine, FL. As well as many cousins, friends and very special friends Mike and Dan Hinz and their mastiff farm dogs Ruby and Hooch.

He is preceded in death by his Grandparents, parents, his stepmother Monica (O’Keefe) Dellemann, Brother in-law Eugene “Mike” Hartzheim. Along with many aunts, uncles and cousins

A very special thanks to the cardiac staff at Aurora Hospital’s 2 west.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established with the Oshkosh Area Humane Society in Jim's name.

At Jim’s request no services will be held. Burial will take place in the spring.