James Moore

Surrounded by his family, James Luther Moore, 63, passed away August 7, 2008, in Gulfport after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. A retired member of U.S. Army, Jim served in the Special Forces as a Green Beret. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam and 13 months as a POW. During his career he earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, MIA-POW and the Cross-of Gallantry, the highest award given by the South Vietnam government. During his 24 years in the military, Jim earned his degree in Sociology, served as a combat medic, taught race relations, served as a recruiter and a recruiter trainer, and represented his country at the Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. He was stationed in various locations including the White House, Germany, Ohio, Georgia, Texas and Louisiana. After retiring from the military, Jim returned to the classroom and received a Bachelors Degree in Nursing from Lamar University. He worked as a Registered Nurse in the fields of psychiatrics, geriatrics and substance abuse. An avid fisherman, Jim’s hobbies also included cooking, making stained glass, playing black jack and writing poetry. Recently baptised a Catholic, Jim was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Orange Grove and a member of the Gulf Coast Newcomers Club. To show his appreciation for the support and encouragement he received during his battle with cancer, Jim spent his last days creating two beautiful stained glass pieces – the Crucifixion and the Virgin Mary – which he donated to his Church. He was profiled as a South Mississippi Hero by WLOX two days prior to his death. He is survived by his wife Laura; son, James Moore and his wife Stephanie of High Point, NC; stepdaughter, Alicia Blanda and her husband Scott of Gulfport; stepson, Joey Toups and his wife Michelle of Bush, LA; and four grandchildren Joshua Toups, Emma and Madison Moore and Seth Ridgill. Jim is also survived by his brother, John Moore and his wife Carole of Amesville, OH. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 11, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes, 1726 15th St. in Gulfport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 12290 Depew Rd. in Gulfport. Friends may visit one hour prior. Interment with full military honors will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Joseph’s Church.