James Edward Day; Postmaster Introduced ZIP Codes

James Edward Day, 82, the postmaster general who launched the nation’s ZIP code system. Appointed by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, Day reduced the federal Postal Service’s deficit from $800 million to $450 million by modernizing operations and reducing inefficiency. He also improved service and raised the wages and morale of his 500,000 employees. Day was the first postmaster general to sign a labor agreement with workers trying to organize unions. He also instituted a merit promotion plan and worked to eliminate racial discrimination. In 1963, Day helped establish the ZIP code system, which he predicted would cut delivery times by up to 24 hours. A native of Jacksonville, Ill., Day was a graduate of the University of Chicago and Harvard Law School and served in the Navy during World War II. On Tuesday in Hunt Valley, Md., of cardiac arrest.