Founders’ Day is a special occasion to honor the legacy of EAA's founders and reflect on the enduring spirit of aviation. It's a time to remember the passion and dedication that brought EAA to life and continues to inspire us today.
The legacy of James Gorman is deeply intertwined with the fabric of EAA. A passionate aviator and leader, Jim held countless EAA leadership roles and was a founding member of the EAA Museum Board. His generous philanthropic contributions included:
- The Gorman Art Gallery, proudly presented at the EAA Aviation Museum, testifies to his love for art and aviation.
- The EAA Century Club, a prestigious giving society founded in the 1970s, comparable to today’s President’s Circle. Jim was its second member.
- The James and Marge Gorman Fund supports EAA youth camperships and inspires future generations of aviation enthusiasts.
- As First Wing members, the Gormans embodied the highest ethos of aviation.
A note from Gayle Gorman Green, President’s Circle Member
Aviation is in my family’s blood. It is embedded in almost every facet of our being. When you have a mother and father who were both pilots, independently of each other, it trickles down through the generations. And while there was never any pressure for us to be pilots, there certainly was laughter and joy when we did become pilots.
It wasn’t a surprise that I married a pilot. My husband Rich served 35 years with the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Brigadier General and accruing more than 12,000 flight hours.
I’ve been flying for 57 years, and two of my greatest joys are giving Young Eagles flights and mentoring. I’m grateful that the Gorman Foundation funds EAA programs that inspire young people and provide them with educational opportunities after the rides.
It's obvious that we need to support and perpetuate all the different vocations within the aviation industry. Yet, financial need is a genuine obstacle for young people, and that poses a threat to the future of aviation. We need to make it accessible for them to go into the field. These young people’s dreams are endless if they don’t have to worry about the money.
Along with my brother Jeff and my family, we believe that funding scholarships and the EAA Aviation Foundation is the best way to give back to a community that has given so much to us. It’s also been a wonderful way to memorialize my parents.
See more of the Gorman story with these Timeless Voices
Where will your aviation legacy start and continue to grow? Your gift, regardless of size, supports the EAA programs that keep The Spirit of Aviation alive. Give today and smile more, knowing you have made a difference.
