R. Jacques "Jack" Delier

Raoul Jacques "Jack" DeLier was born on July 10, 1919 in Minot, North Dakota to French Canadian and Irish parents. As a young child he lived in several upper Mid-Western cities and graduated from Holy Name Grade School in Omaha, Nebraska in 1933. He then went to Creighton preparatory, a Jesuit High School, also in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated in 1937. While at Creighton Preparatory, he served.as student council president and participated in many sport activities including basketball, football and baseball. After high school, Jacques attended the University of Oklahoma and then enlisted in the Army Air Corps in June, 1941. After graduating from flying school, Jacques was assigned as an instructor to the 335th Bomb Group stationed at Barksdale Field, Shreveport, Louisiana. He also attended Harvard, Graduate School of Business.Jacques married Barbara Ann Wilkinson in April, 1942 and their daughter was born at Barksdale Field in March, 1943. Jacques's military record while serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II included many official awards and decorations including the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with 12 clusters, the EPO Ribbon, 4 Battle Stars, the American Defense Ribbon and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a Captain, flying 65 combat missions as lead navigator. He was assigned to the 394th Bomb Group, 586th Squadron. Jacques also received the French Order of the Legion of Honor. After being placed on inactive duty in May, 1945, Jacques began working for Universal Motion Pictures as a sales account executive. In 1951 Jacques won the Oklahoma City Open golf tournament beating PGA professional Glen Fowler in the finals. He was also a yearly invitee to the Senior Masters Invitational golf tournament that was comprised of the best senior amateurs internationally, and held yearly at the Broadmoor. In 1954 Jacques joined KWTV, a CBS affiliate, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and retired as President of Griffin Television, Inc., the owner of KWTV, in 1982. During his career he served on numerous industry, civic and charitable boards, both locally and statewide. He was a charter member and past president for the Oklahoma Telecasters' Association. Jacques was the first broadcaster inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame; he instituted the first hour long newscast in Oklahoma City through KWTV, Channel 9. After his retirement, Jacques was involved in several civic organizations; including President of the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, President of the Oklahoma Air and Space Museum, President of the Better Business Bureau as well as acting Trustee of St. Gregory's College in Shawnee, Oklahoma.Jacques's wife, Barbara passed away in 2004. He is survived by his two children, Michael John DeLier and wife Kari, Michelin Ann Hobbs and husband Paul; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In his own words, Jacques writes: "God has allowed me to be successful as a son, as a parent, as a student, as an athlete and most of all in my marriage. Please note: Most of all God has granted me the privilege of taking care of my wife during her extended illness."Those wishing to pay their respects may do so 5pm – 8pm Sunday, June 13th at the Smith & Kernke N. May Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 14, 2021 at Christ the King Catholic Church with burial to follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. Donations are suggested to either St. Jude Children's Hospital or Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City.