GELADAS, James

Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald

GELADAS, James (Unknown--Lakeland, FL, Oct. 2, 2001) Geladas worked for the TELEGRAPH HERALD for thirty years. He began as assistant managing editor and then became managing editor and finally special projects director. He retired in 1987 and moved to South Padre Island, Texas. (1)

During his years with the Telegraph Herald, Geladas found one of his most personally rewarding experiences helping to establish the Leadership Institute. In 1982 Dubuque was coming out of one of its hardest economic times and the "well" of leaders had "gone dry." The Institute offered 12 or 13 weekly sessions for those wishing to become effective leaders and rewarded those who excelled. (2)

Geladas was also involved in establishing the DUBUQUE BUSINESS HALL OF FAME which honored local and national business leaders. He also served as founding chairman of the board and then chairman of the board from the NATIONAL RIVERS HALL OF FAME. He was also involved in activities with the Iowa Communications Council, DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MERCY HEALTH CENTER and CLARKE COLLEGE. (3)

The National Press Photographers' Association named Geladas "editor of the year" in 1963. He received the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award in 1986. (4) He was cited as being instrumental in the founding of the Ham House Museum in 1964 and was one of the original Dubuque Ambassadors. He served as president of the the Business Hall of Fame and Winter Wonderland and served on the board WINTERFEST . (5) In 1997 Geladas was the recipient of the National Press Photographers' Association most prestigious honor, the Sprague Award, for lifetime achievement.

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Source:

1. Chanaud, Timothy. "Community Leader Retires to Texas," Telegraph Herald, January 4, 1987, p. 3

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Cooper, Brian. "Newspaper Visionary Geladas Dies," Telegraph Herald, October 4, 2001, p. 1A

5. "Geladas Gets Chamber Award," Telegraph Herald, April 20, 1986, p. 5