After due consideration, I am posting an announcement regarding the unfortunate death of Jim Leroy, Jr., the son of fellow Hydrodyners member "jim," and the brother of fellow Hydrodyners member "swvski1." Many of you know fellow Hydrodyners member Jim Leroy as our most knowledgeable Hydrodyne 18 specialist and as an extremely dedicated advocate of our website and our boats. You know Swvski as a talented and award winning waterskiier. As Jim and Pam are very private and modest people, I suspect that most of you do not know that Jim's son, and Pam's brother, Jim Leroy, Jr., is the world famous airshow stunt pilot Jim Leroy - also known as "Bulldog Leroy" to his fans (pictured below). I am saddened to report that Jim died on Saturday at the Dayton, Ohio Airshow while performing the "Mary's Lamb" routine when his modified Pitts aircraft struck the ground for unknown reasons. Jim is survived by, among others, his wife and his young son, Tommy, both of whom were at the airshow at the time of the accident. Please take a moment to visit http://www.bulldogairshows.com to celebrate Jim's life and career. Please also consider giving a donation for the benefit of Jim's son, Tommy. Donations for Tommy's benefit can be sent to: Jim LeRoy, Jr. Memorial Fund c/o Harris Bank 110 East Irving Park Raod Roselle, Illinois 60172 Phone: 630-980-2700 A memorial service and celebration of Jim's life will be held on August 8, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the DuPage Airport in West Chicago, Illinois. If I may be bold enough to speak on behalf of the members of Hydrodyners.com, we wish to extend our collective and heartfelt sympathies to Jim and Pam, and we hope and pray for both of you that you find strength and happiness in your memories of, and pride in, Jim. Best wishes, MarkBano, on behalf of the members of Hydrodyners.com.
A quote from Jim Leroy, Jr. one month before his passing. "… a collision is always a possibility whether it is with the ground or with another vehicle and the risk factor increases with an increased number of vehicles/elements in the show; it’s a simple matter of mathematics … All X-Team pilots fly very aggressively; consequently, we’ve all heard “you’re going to kill yourself” over and over and over. You get numb to it after a while, but you have to be careful not to brush off a legitimate concern, and you have to acknowledge the risk and know that in the end, they might be right. No matter how well you prepare and practice there are no guarantees." Jim LeRoy X-Team Team Leader June 28, 2007 (posted on airshowbuzz.com) Thanks, Jim, for pushing the envelope, for the entertainment, and most importantly, for teaching us to live our lives and to follow our hearts while using our heads. You will be missed.
The last post was mine. I wasn't logged in. Sorry. MarkBano. Thanks, everyone, for taking a moment to pray for our friends on Hydrodyners during this difficult time.
I heard this sad piece of news over the last couple days, from others here, the news, and at work. Some people at work mentioned the name, and of course I recognized it. Our deepest condolences go out to your and your family Jim. High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . . Up, up the long, delirious burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or ever eagle flew — And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. — John Gillespie Magee, Jr
Jim Leroy, Jr.... Jim and Pam, our thoughts and prayers remain with you. Your friends at Hydrodyners.com.
As everyone else has stated it is a sad time, I have passed my best wishes on to both. It makes you take a hard look at life and how fragile it can be, one never expects a Friend, loved one, or sibling to ever disappear until it happens. It is a sad circumstance. Daniel
Jim and Pam.......I am ever so sorry to hear about your loss. Words can not express how sad I feel reading this. I was on a boating trip and actually watching a bi plane flying over the lake that day and watching the beauty of that flight at the time of your loss. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this ever so sad time. May Jim Leroy Jr. soar with the angels and keep watch over you all. Denise
I just wanted to thank everyone for their words of encouragement, thoughts and prayers. And thank you Mark for honoring my brother in such a wonderful way by starting this thread. It is very much appreciated during this difficult time. It is a comfort to know how much he was loved and respected and will truly be missed. Pam LeRoy Miller
While Jim has moved forward to the Heavens, I stand in awe of the man and or woman who reaches his and/or her personal "nirvana". It seems that Jim Leroy, Jr. had made that grade and brought warm smiles to those around him. I know of no one that does not watch an airplane fly and just say a little "wow" inside. Jim Jr. performed for thousands of people, bringing them enjoyment and excitement. Time will tell how many human beings that he spurred on to turn their own dreams into reality. He now looks down on us from a cockpit that will fly eternally.