Colleagues remember friend, 'hero'
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 01/14/2008
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A modest man who dedicated his life to serving others will be honored today with a folded American flag.
James Maris, creator of the Department of Aviation Technology, died at the age of 88 on Jan. 9. Services will be at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Lafayette.
"He was a hero in my eyes," said Tom Carney, a former student in the flight program and fourth department head.
Before teaching at Purdue, Maris belonged to the Army Air Corps and the Air Force. He fought in two wars, retiring in 1979 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Maris was a bomber pilot during World War II, in one of the first waves of bombers on D-Day in France.
Carney, the department head of aviation technology, said Maris was brought to Purdue to start an aviation program.
"My position now is very much a legacy of what professor Maris began," said Carney.
Carney knew Maris for four decades. During this time, Carney watched as Maris laid out the foundation for the department.
"He put students first," Carney said.
Maris contended with creating a department on limited resources. He was a master at finding the things he needed with minimal expense, Carney said.
In order to develop the department, Maris had to help the existing leadership at the University understand the importance of aviation technology and why it deserves to be at an institute like Purdue.
The year 1984 marks the end of Maris' career at Purdue, but it did not stop him from being involved. Maris supported Carney in becoming a department head.
"He was always there," Carney said. "He was a rich source of wisdom."
Maris also gave tours of the airport to school children and Purdue visitors.
"(He was a) true and wonderful ambassador for Purdue," Carney said.
Outside of the University, Maris was involved with the community. He volunteered at his church and was a member of various organizations.
"(He) had high ideals," Carney said. "A friend to everyone who knew him."
Don Gentry, a close colleague and former dean for the School of Technology, said Maris was a very caring person and wanted everyone to do their best. Gentry also said Maris had a personal creed he lived by: "Be concerned about the other person and help them to be successful."