The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) mourns the passing of James Brown Jr., former Hartzell Propeller Chairman and GAMA Board Member.

Brown served on the GAMA board from 1998 to 2008. As a distinguished U.S. Navy fighter pilot, highly skilled businessman and avid general aviation (GA) pilot, he rebuilt an iconic company that provided propellers for the Wright Brothers, and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

"Jim played a very significant leadership role in the reinvigoration of the general aviation fixed wing sector following the passage of General Aviation Revitalization Act. His active promotion of initiatives championed by several GA associations served to expand the global reach of high performance piston and turboprop aviation," said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. "One of Jim's many legacies left to our industry is the special relationships forged between management and technicians that fuel innovation and create corporate loyalty within the GA manufacturing sector. Aviation has lost a tremendous leader, and GAMA will miss a wonderful friend."