James L. Moore

James L. Moore, 87, died on Monday, June 22, 2020. Born in Kent, Ohio on January 13, 1933 he was the son of Mary and Willard Moore. As a lifelong resident of Kent and the youngest of four, Jim had a rich life full of family, friendships, and adventure. Everyone who knew him likely heard some of his stories and shared a good laugh. Active in high school, Jim played football, track, worked on the yearbook and newspaper establishing friendships that have lasted his lifetime. He has been an active member the Roosevelt High School ‘Class of ‘50’ reunion committee since its inception, meeting monthly to reminisce and enjoy one another’s company.   

In 1953 Jim entered the United States Air Force to service his country and fly planes. It was always his plan to make the military his career but health issues intervened and he received an Honorable Release from Active Duty at the rank of Airman Second Class. 

While in the service Jim met the love of his life in Alabama on a rainy night following a free church Bingo game. They married in May of 1955 and later returned to Kent, Ohio to raise their three children while he pursued his degree in journalism from Kent State University. They recently celebrated their 65thwedding anniversary. Reestablishing roots in Kent allowed Jim to pursue his career in photojournalism, becoming a photographer for the Record Courier and even started his own photography business, Jay Craft Photography. Over the years Jim transitioned into sales and ultimately retired from Ameritech with over 25 years of service in yellow pages sales. After retirement, Jim went on to perfect the game of golf, playing in multiple leagues and even taking a part-time job at local golf courses to spend more time on the course. All his practice paid off as he scored a hole-in-one on the 17th hole at Maple Crest Golf Club in 2004. 

Jim’s love affair with flying didn’t end with his military service. He spent countless hours building and flying model rockets and planes with his son Jay. In 2003 Jim was able to reexperience a flight in a B-17 through the Yankee Air Force Museum. There wasn’t anything that he couldn’t do. Jim believed if you put your mind to something and worked hard enough great things could be accomplished. This was evident through his retirement activities. Learning to weld, Jim restored a MG midget and traveled to car shows each year with his daughter Mary Beth. He dove into long distance running, qualifying and running the Boston Marathon as well as participating in many other races with his daughter Melanie. When it was time to relax, Jim enjoyed watching classic movies, many of which he saw the original release when he was younger. 

He is survived by his son, James L. Moore Jr., daughters Mary Beth Moore (Tami Hoffman), and Melanie (Edward) Mikusa, grandchildren Christopher (Chau) Moore, Hillary (Joe) Taylor, Andy (Janel) Moore, Madison Moore, and Flannery (Cameron Carlyle) Mikusa. He is also survived by three great grandchildren, Payton, Charli, and Korri Taylor. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his loving wife Ellen, of 65 years, parents Mary and Willard Moore, brothers Willard and Bill Moore, and sister Mary Lou White. 

Jim supported a variety of charitable organizations. Memorial contribution may be made to the organization of your choice. Calling hours will be held at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory Sunday, June 28, 4:00-5:30 PM with the funeral mass at the Newman Center on Kent State’s campus on Monday, June 29 at 10:00 AM. Interment will be held at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery with full Military honors in July.

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.

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