James, Oswald George Biography 1991

JAMES, Oswald George (Ossie)
OBE 1968; Retired Managing Director and Chairman of James Aviation
Born Wairoa, 15 November 1919, son of Oswald George James and Ester May (née Wilson); married Elaine Ivey Arthur, daughter of Carpenter Arthur, 1953, one son two daughters.
Education: Wigan School, Tolaga Bay; Tolaga Bay High School; FNZIM, FCIT, FRAeS.
Territorial: East Coast Mounted Rifles, 1937-1939; RNZAF: tech, mainly on fighters, 1940-1946 (Sargent Tech). Apprentice, motor trade, 1935-1939 (A grade motor mechanic’s licence, 1944, while on Bougainville with RNZAF); garage proprietor, 1947-1949; pilot’s licence, 1947; purchased first aircraft, 1947; Founded: James Aviation 1949, James Tours Rotorua 1950, Aero Engine Services 1951, Aero Machinists Engineers 1951 and others; built first training aircraft 1953, followed by aircraft assembly 1954; converted first DC3 for use in agricultural aviation 1955; introduced first helicopter into service; operated up to 85 aircraft throughout NZ; extended operations to Australia by takeovers; established engine overhaul services at Bankstown and Orange, New South Wales; produced in NZ 80 2-seat trainers, 100 military trainers, 265 Fletchers for NZ and international buyers; Managing Director and Chairman, James Aviation and 23 associated or owned companies in NZ, Australia when retired in 1984; now 50% owner, NZ’s largest pallet manufacturer, serving dairy industry; NZ representative, international conferences, Holland, England, Canada, United States, Australia.  Founding President, NZ National Field Days (Life Member; Founder, Past President, Life Member, Aviation Industry Association of NZ; President, Hamilton Aero Club 11 years;
Member: Hamilton SA 11 years, Hamilton Rotary Club 32 years.
Recreations: boating, fishing, restoration of hydrofoil Manuwai.
Address: 11 Fowler Avenue, Hamilton.