James Clarkson Moore

Kingston, WA

Jim Moore passed away on March 5, 2019 at his home in Kingston, Washington. Jim was born on February 12, 1947 in Spokane, Washington and was the youngest of three siblings, Torge Lorentzen, Monte Moore, and Karen Bjorklund. While attending North Central High School in Spokane, he met his wife of 52 years, Sharon Moore. After he obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University in 1971, Jim and Sharon moved to Seattle where Jim began his career working at two veterinary hospitals.

In 1972, Jim and Sharon moved to Kingston, where they purchased their first and only home. Shortly thereafter, they purchased the building that would become Apple Tree Cove Animal Hospital. Jim then designed and constructed the current Apple Tree Cove Animal Hospital building down the street from his original practice. He touched many lives through his practice at Apple Tree Cove, where he mentored numerous veterinarians and served the people and pets in the community with skill and compassion. Reluctant to retire from the profession he so loved after selling the business in 2007, Jim continued to practice at Apple Tree Cove and several Kitsap County veterinary hospitals.

Throughout his life, Jim was tireless in his dedication to serving the community. He served as a board member for the Kitsap Humane Society from 2004 to 2012 and served as a volunteer there through 2018, performing spay/neuter surgeries and consulting with the shelter medicine team as a teacher, mentor, and advisor. Jim was also an active member of the Poulsbo Rotary Club for over 30 years, where he served as counselor for the exchange student program, mentoring high school students from around the world and hosting them in his home. Jim further served as a Commissioner and volunteer at the Village Green Metropolitan Park District in Kingston from his election in 2010 until this year, where he was instrumental in establishing the Park District and ensuring its success.

Jim was a bonsai tree enthusiast and spent his free time tending to his many trees. He was also an avid photographer, excelling at both spectacular landscape photography and playful photos of his beloved dog, Zoe, as well as the pets of his many friends and loved ones.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon, his daughter, Natalie, and his siblings Torge Lorentzen and Monte Moore of Spokane, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to either the Kitsap Humane Society or the Village Green Foundation.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the Village Green Community Center in Kingston, Washington on May 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kitsap Sun on Mar. 24, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Moore

9 Entries

Jenny Webb (Roossien)

December 12, 2024

I know this is a few years later but I used to work at Apple Tree Cove Animal hospital in 1995. Dr. Moore was a big influence in my life! I ended up returning home to Michigan and started a mission of human medicine. I am now a Nurse Practitoner. I used to live in Everett and took the ferry to work. Dr. Moore took me across the Puget Sound in his sailboat one time. It was a very memorable experience. I always think fondly of my time there!
Jenny Webb formerly Jenny Roossien

Kris Hotchkiss

July 10, 2019

I am saddened to learn of Jim's passing. Over a 10 year period I had 13 pet rats, and Jim helped me care for them all. Along the way I enjoyed many conversations with him about rats and raptors, and ravens and crows. He did so much to help animals in his care. I always trusted his advice. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Kris Hotchkiss

Candice Park

May 11, 2019

I worked as kennel girl at apple tree for a few years, and Dr. moore was always popping in or working. he was a great mentor and always pushed me to be more. Allowing me to be part of the team and and encouraging me to be so. my first memory of this wonderful man, was only a few days into the job, he with a few of my tech. coworkers ushered me into surgery to watch and help on a amputation of a injured dogs lag. at first i thought they were teasing me and thought i would get woozy from the sight of it all.(i think they were all surprised that i didn't after they brought a chair in after me.) but to experience that and be able to watch will they did there job or hold the lag of the pore dog as help, was quite the experience. Jim always knew i was more and encouraged me to be more, even i didn't know i had it in me myself but he did. I also worked early mornings and late nights cleaning, sterilizing surgery equipment, feeding, walking, potty brakes, and meds for the boarders or post surgery patients. sometimes i was there longer then i prob should have been and Dr. more would always stop by to see how i was doing or let me know it all didn't have to get done as long as all the animals were fed, pottied, and had there meds they needed for the night. i also many times locked myself out of the clinic and had to do the walk of shame to Dr. moores house to get him to come save the day and open the doors back up for me. (supposed to have a key in my pocket or around my neck will taking the dogs in and out to potty, sometimes i would for get it on the counter will documenting info on each pet in between. ) but he was always happy to help and let me back in and would never say a word.

Lynn Fleischbein

May 10, 2019

I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Moore's passing. We spent some very busy years together on the KHS board as part of an incredible team and it was a pleasure to serve with him and to get to know both Sharon and Natalie through that process. I am sorry that I won't be able to make the celebration of life as I'm sure it will be a wonderful day remembering everything about him.

david rose

March 28, 2019

Jim was our veterinarian for more than 25 years and a close neighbor. He and Sharon came to our clinic in Baja Mexico every year to volunteer and he was loved as much here as he was in Kingston. He was a brilliant surgeon and a keen observer of people. I learned so much watching and listening to him. We shared a love of books, animals and a love for the quirky side of life. He found humor in off beat and unusual things and kept us constantly entertained with anecdotes and observations. He will be greatly missed.

March 27, 2019

Ken and I are stunned and heartbroken at this news. Our heartfelt condolences to you Sharon and Natalie. Too many memories...Jim and his wry humor will be missed

Susan Schmidt

March 25, 2019

Such sad news. I haven't seen Jim for so many years. In my mind we are all still in our thirties. I worked for Jim briefly in the first Appletree Cove veterinary clinic. At that time it was a two person clinic. Jim taught me so much about veterinary medicine and he did it with patience and humor. I was working there when Parvo first came on the scene. Prior to the vaccine, Jim was innovative and figured out a method for saving some of the Parvo dogs. Jim was always saving some distressed animal. A lamb named Daphne had the run of the clinic. There were rescued seals and we mixed blenders full of mushed fish. Never a dull moment. I will always remember Jim's humor, wit and most of all his amazing veterinary skill.

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