James D. Delano, founder of Lion Coffee, who tried unsuccessfully to launch FlyHawaii Airlines in 2005, died suddenly Thursday in Mumbai, India. He was 56.

The cause of death is undetermined, according to the death certificate.

“;Friends who saw him a few days before his death confirmed he was in good health, until he checked himself into the hospital in Mumbai,”; said Kristine Altwies, executive director and chief executive officer of Hawaii International Child. He died two days later.

Delano served the nonprofit adoption agency as international development director, but he was in Mumbai working with another service organization.

“;His work with HIC was philanthropic, and he would do it when he could,”; Altwies said. In 2005 he traveled to Ethiopia, Nepal and South Africa for HIC to investigate foreign adoption program opportunities.

“;His most important pursuit (recently) had been his master's degree at the Wagner School (of Public Administration) at New York University,”; Altwies said.

He was born in Rolla, Mo., and received his bachelor's degree in art history from Principia College in Illinois.

Delano moved to Hawaii in 1977 and formed investment company Delano West Ltd. in 1978.

The next year, he bought the original Lion Coffee Co. of Ohio, established in 1864, out of receivership and brought the brand to Hawaii long ahead of premium coffee brand Starbucks.

He sold the company to Paradise Beverages Inc., its main distributor, in 2000.

Delano was a lifelong supporter of the arts and sponsored various activities, including an annual film series.

In March 2005 Delano announced a plan to launch FlyHawaii Airlines by the end of the year, though it needed to obtain mandated federal certification.

The would-be airline was to provide interisland service and was attempting to compete against both Hawaiian and Aloha airlines in a market that had seen the failure of Discovery Airways, Mahalo Airlines and Mid-Pacific Air.

But a local investor group opted out of the FlyHawaii proposal later that year when go! parent Mesa Airlines announced it was entering the market.

Delano is survived by brother and sister-in-law Jay and Marsha Delano of St. James, Mo.; nephew Jonathan; and longtime companion Kimberely Rector of Connecticut and New York.

His memorial and donations in his name are being coordinated by friends, who request that in lieu of flowers, donations toward funeral expenses be sent to Lewis Canfield, 167 N. 9th St., Brooklyn, NY 11211.

A local service is being planned “;sometime in the near future,”; Altwies said.