Friday, December 6, 2013

JIM MOORE HAS DIED

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of an important part of Croton: Jim Moore has died. 

Wake at Holy Name of Mary on Monday, 12/9 from 4 to 8PM. Funeral at HNM on Tuesday 12/10 at 10AM. Burial at Bethel Cemetery. Reception to follow in the James R Moore Gymnasium. 

This is how we would like to remember Jim best: strong, happy, and always willing to stand up against everything from deals with the transfer station to his more recent commentary on Gouveia. An excellent, charitable, good man who spoke plainly, honestly, and carried himself well. Click on the photo.

You may also have an interest in http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/04/photos-todays-dedication-of-jim-moore.html

FULL TEXT OF THE OBITUARY FOLLOWS:

James "JR" Moore passed away at home on December 6, 2013, surrounded by his loving family, after a difficult struggle with stomach cancer. He had recently turned 83 years old.

Jim was born November 12, 1930 to Guy and Marie Moore in the Bronx, N.Y. Graduating from D. Witt Clinton High School, he enlisted in the Navy, serving for a year in the Submarine Division, based in New London, CT. Honorably discharged, Jim achieved an Associate's Degree at Westchester Community College. Shortly after he was hired by AT&T, beginning a successful 30 year career. 


Jim married Lillian Fuchs in February of 1955. Moving into Croton-on-Hudson in September of 1960, their family eventually grew to six children. Having been a member of the Knights of Columbus in the Bronx, Jim joined the local chapter and stayed an active member, serving the organization with an energy that he brought to everything in his life.

After his retirement from AT&T, Jim continued to work. Many local restaurants came to know him very well during the lead up to the Croton Gazette's annual restaurant edition. Working in the role of advertising manager, he absolutely delighted in being able to swell the pages of the Croton Gazette to near triple digits.

A dedicated member of the Holy Name of Mary parish, Jim started a CYO Basketball team in 1965. What began with one team has since blossomed, under his guidance, into a 15 team program. A testament that the best coaches are not only teachers but mentors, Jim has maintained close relationships with many of his former players. The Holy Name of Mary church hall, that Jim helped to convert into a basketball court years ago, was recently named in his honor for his years of devotion to the parish and the program. 


CYO was only one of several youth sports programs that Jim started. In conjunction with the Croton Recreation Department, he initiated the Croton Boy's Flag Football League, Girl's Flag Football League and Boys Recreation Basketball programs in the 1960's. Basketball and football aside, Jim managed to coach the K of C Minor leagues baseball for well over 10 years. As if work, six children, multiple coaching assignments, involvement with the K of C, his parish and local politics wasn't enough, Jim attended mass at the V.A. in Montrose every Sunday morning for 40 years, assisting veterans to attend church service. Jim also spent time visiting Sing-Sing prison where he offered spiritual guidance and a listening ear to many individuals.

During two summers working in Yankee Stadium hawking beer and hot dogs in his teens, Jim became an avid fan of Ted Williams, and a lifelong Red Sox fan. His recent time in the hospital was made easier as he watched his beloved Sox win another World Championship.


Anyone who has read the Croton Gazette since the mid 1960's, would more often than not be treated to Jim's literary styling. Whether it was an update of the latest CYO team news or voicing a political opinion, Jim was never shy about making his voice heard. Jim's energy, giving spirit, and devotion to his family and community were with him until the day of his passing and lives on in the many lives he has touched.  Whether he was sharing a beer, going to the gym, debating politics, or sneaking treats to his grandchildren, he did it with a smile on his face and that smile was always infectious to those around him.

Jim was pre-deceased by his brother Guy Moore. He is survived by his wife Lillian, children; James (Wendy), Robert (Theresa), Paula (Paul), Christopher (Karen), Laura and Daniel (Alyse). He will be missed by his thirteen grandchildren; Sarah, Ryan, Duncan, Rebecca, Jacob, Dylan, Caleb, Daniel, Conor, Allison, Caleigh, Lily and Cora.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Name of Mary parish and will be applied to the restoration of the James R. Moore Memorial Gymnasium.

10 comments:

  1. I first met Jim back in the early days of Metro Eniro. It was because of him that I got involved. He always turned up on the right side and was a true soldier of Christ.
    Paul Davo

    ReplyDelete
  2. I only knew Jim during his 7th and 8th decades of life, he had more energy and drive than a dozen men half his age. His work for over 40 years as a weekly volunteer at the VA Hospital was a true inspiration. For those that got to witness his weekly rendition belting out "Soul of My Savior" at the unique Jim Moore tempo, organist be damned, no other rendition will ever hold a candle to Jim's. Jim's soul has departed, his spirit lives on in all of us. Rest in peace, Jim
    - John O'Brien

    ReplyDelete
  3. Farewell, friend and neighbor. Just a sweet man with a charitable spirit. May his soul be in eternal rest.

    ReplyDelete
  4. May you rest in heavenly peace Mr. Moore. It was an honor to be your neighbor for than 40 years. We will miss you! Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Moore and family.

    Peg Sperano Kniser

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gods speed brother. You are and forever will be rememberd for your great works

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mr. Moore was my first coach in organized sports. I played on two of his K of C teams when I was 8 and 9 years old. I remember Mr. Moore patiently explaining fundamentals of the game such as hitting the cutoff man (and me thinking how come I have to him the cutoff man when i can throw it over it his), and he encouraging us during the games. My you, this took place about 45 years ago down at the epic field of champion's Duck Pond ball field.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Jim Moore was a cheerful and helpful neighbor for thirty years. I will miss
    commiserating with him about the weather, etc. as we were out and about
    doing our yardwork and chores. God bless you Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with Lil and the whole family.

    Love, Alicia

    ReplyDelete
  8. May our memory of Jim be a blessing to us and his family.
    He was a constant, active & cheerful presents in Harmon and Croton.
    Sorely missed and impossible to replace.
    -Randy Swan

    ReplyDelete
  9. A fabulous presence on the mound for the K of C Men’s Softball Team in the ‘70’s. RIP Mr Moore.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Miss you grandpa. I wish you could've met your great grand kids. So many people say Colm looks like you. We all carry your love and sense of community with us always.

    ReplyDelete