The Intrepid Museum mourns the loss of James Ean, the first president of this institution. Jim played a key role in bringing the aircraft carrier Intrepid to New York City so that the ship could embark on a new mission—to honor our heroes, educate the public and inspire our youth.
 
Jim was one of the heroes whom the Museum strives to honor. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, at age 21. He served as an aviator during the war, flying Hellcats over the Pacific—where he first encountered Intrepid. He wrote, “Early in 1944, when I first saw the Intrepid in the South Pacific, I had no way of knowing that our destinies would be intertwined 30 to 40 years later.”  
 
Even after his tenure as president, his passion for the institution never waned. He was a frequent, beloved visitor and a contributor to the Museum’s Oral History Project. The Museum’s success is a testament to his commitment and vision. We will miss him.



Right to left: Jim Ean, Museum founder Zachary Fisher and Secretary of the Navy John Lehman.