James Adams Moorhouse
James Adams Moorhouse
Obituary
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James Moorhouse Obituary
Commerce/State Trade Official; Big Game Fishing Age Group Record Holder
Jim Moorhouse passed away peacefully after a long illness on September 7, 2017 at his home in Alexandria, VA in the presence of his wife and loving family.
Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1937 to Glen Moorhouse and Lenore Crowley, he was raised in Paris, France, along with his sister Ann, where they lived as his father served implementing the Marshall Plan after World War II. The family returned to Washington, DC in 1953 where Jim graduated from Western High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Foreign Service (Cum Laude) from Georgetown University in 1959. He was awarded the University Reagent's Gold Medal in Language. He served two years in the United States Army at SHAPE Headquarters outside Paris, France where he met his wife Micheline of 56 years. Leaving the US Army in 1961 he served as a Program Officer with Radio Free Europe at the Paris office. Returning to Washington, DC he joined the US Commerce Department Bureau of International Commerce (Export Promotion Program). He headed up the US Trade Center in Paris, France from 1974 to 1976 and helped dozens of American companies introduce their products into France. Jim was a civilian graduate of the National War College in 1977. In 1984 he was awarded the Department's Silver Medal for Outstanding Leadership in the field of Export Promotion. In 1980 he transferred to the US Foreign Service and served as Commercial Counselor at the American Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria. In 1986 he was promoted to Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs in Paris, France where he often teamed up with Commerce Secretary Robert Mosbacher and Ambassador Carla Hills on important trade negotiations to protect US Europe trade relations. Moving to New Delhi, India as Minister Counselor in 1990 was perhaps the high point of his career where he could be a front row participant in the development of a win-win strategic partnership with India.
His travels enabled him to enjoy one of his many passions; big-game fishing in remote areas where he chased exotic species such as the Himalayan Golden Mahseer, the Nile Perch in Uganda, and the Goliath Tigerfish in the Congo, among other species. Jim was awarded the Presidential Meritorious Service Award in 1991 in recognition of his long service in promoting US business investment abroad and he retired in April 1992 only to be called back into service to help set up US government promotion programs in South Africa during the transition to President Mandela's administration. He later joined Westinghouse Electric Corporation where he served for three years until 1998 as Vice President - International and Country Manager, India. He was an avid runner and completed two JFK 50 mile runs, two US Marine Corps Marathons, the New York City Marathon, and the original Athens Marathon. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Ann.
He is survived by wife Micheline; his sons Thomas and Patrick Moorhouse (Margo); daughter Karen Moorhouse Gahart (Kevin); and grandchildren Alex, Nathan and Emily Gahart; and brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, and nieces.
Interment at Arlington Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory can be made to the Inova Schar Cancer Institute – designation Radiation Oncology (www.inovacancer.org/donate).
Condolences may be expressed on line at www.demainefuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nancy Ellis
May 19, 2024
A fun smart,happy neighbor.we have lost a dear soul.
Debbie Malik
October 28, 2017
Dear Micheline and family...how saddened I was to learn of Jim's passing. All from Sambiya River Lodge who knew Jim send you their deepest sympathy. We all have so many wonderful memories from his fishing stays. He is a legend at Sambiya! I remember the day he caught the fish in the featured photo! His excitement! I loved sitting with him after a day's fishing conversing and listening to his life stories. He will be sorely missed. May God give you all Peace.
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Karen Murie
October 16, 2017
I have known Jim since 1972 (I was 7 years old) when I became best friends with his daughter Karen. Growing up, I loved going over to their house to "study" and he would always give us "young ladies" advice about life and boys! He certainly was not the typical dad we grew up with! He was running before running was fashionable and I thought WOW! he is so old and able to kick butt! (he was 40 at the time). He was a great inspiration to my husband while he trained for his first Ironman. In typical Jim style, he told my husband he would not be able to finish the race. That comment kept my husband going for an entire year while he trained and he did in fact finish the race and gave the credit to Jim! Jim, we will miss you but will never forget you!
October 11, 2017
Dear Micheline,
We were so sorry to learn today via an email from your son that Jim is gone. We shared his contagious enthusiasm for African and Himalayan art, and very much enjoyed our time together in New Delhi with the State Department and then reconnecting with the two of you last year after some time. I had been thinking of him recently and had planned to be in touch, not knowing he was gone. We send you and your family our sympathy and condolences.
Richard and Judy Livingston
Jessie Lahr
October 11, 2017
I am greatly saddened by Jim's passing. Jim and my husband Wayne were close and long term friends and when Wayne began declining from his PD and Lewy Body Dementia, Jim spent many hours with Wayne, additionally taking Wayne on 3 different large game fishing excursions in Uganda and the Northern Himalayas. Jim helped me through Wayne's passing and his memorial services. Being around Jim brought many lively and informative discussions which I will always cherish remembering, and list as highly educational. Jim's devotion to human values and ideals will be missed. My continuing love and support to Micheline, his loving and caring wife.
Chris Klepatzki
October 10, 2017
Jim was an absolute giant influence in my life. I was always awed by his intellect, wit and self deprecating sense of humor. Many years ago he took me fishing on Hunters lake and helped me catch my first fish. That early morning adventure ignited a love of the outdoors that persists to this day. Over the years, I would hang on every word as he regaled us with stories of traveling the world. My heart was broken to hear of his passing but that sadness is tempered by a deep appreciation of having known such a wonderful man. He was truly a gift.
October 9, 2017
I knew Jim from Gold's Gym. I saw this skinny guy, about 155 pounds, lifting massive weights for his size. I did not know him then but I would sometimes try to lift a weight that I saw him lift but I could not even though I weighed 10 pounds more and was a gym regular. After awhile we came to know each other but nothing at all about each other. I had no idea Jim had done so many varied and important things. He never spoke of them except to say he and Micheline had lived in India for a few enjoyable years. I also had no idea what age Jim was and was very surprised to read that he was seven years older than me. The main thing I liked about Jim was his positive attitude. I am a very positive person and so was Jim. I told Jim that we were soul brothers. Even through Jim's struggles, each time I saw him he was absolutely sure he was going to be OK. I can tell you, because I know, being positive removes worry and doubt because you know in your mind that everything is going to work out perfectly. I am very sorry that I did not see Jim much this past Summer. During Summer I spend most of my time outdoors and rarely go to the gym. But each time I went I would look for him but he was not there. I hoped that he was better and that we had just missed each other and I would see him the next time. But we didn't and I am very sorry for that.
Barbara Jackson
September 27, 2017
It is with great sadness that I learnt about Jim and I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to his family. I worked directly with him in both the Paris Trade Center and in Commercial Affairs at the Embassy. Jim was so dynamic and enthusiastic for new programs and American - French business. He expanded Commercial Affairs tremendously and has been greatly appreciated. It was a pleasure to know and to work with him directly. I shall always remember him.
Alain de Sarran
September 24, 2017
Jim was my first boos when I joined what was then called the Office of Foreign Operations at the Department of Commerce. He inspired confidence by his demeanor and humor. He was able to handle every situation with aplomb, without drama, earning the admiration and loyalty of his staff. He was not much older than I but I considered him my first mentor after I joined the U.S. Government. The news of his passing was a painful reminder that the best of my early colleagues are fading away. I want his family to know that I will have good memories of working with Jim until my own dying day.
Jan Verschuur
September 21, 2017
I was very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We worked on many projects together when he was Trade Center Director and I was Commercial Attache in Paris and Consul General in Lyon 1974-76. He was without a doubt the most capable professional I have ever had the good fortune and pleasure to work with. I am sure he will be missed
greatly by all of his friends and colleagues.
September 20, 2017
Micheline, Thomas, Patrick and, Karen,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim's death. He was a fantastic leader. I will never forget Micheline and Jim's invitation to dinner and the wonderful evening. Although I never was lucky enough to work for Jim, I wish that I had. I thought you might want to read Jim's colleagues' touching comments.
I'm also very sad that Jim had to suffer cancer, a very mean disease.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a great man.
Sincerely
Janice Corbett
Janice Corbett
September 20, 2017
Micheline, Thomas, Patrick and, Karen,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim's death. He was a fantastic leader. I will never forget Micheline and Jim's invitation to dinner and the wonderful evening. Although I never was lucky enough to work for Jim, I wish that I had. I thought you might want to read Jim's colleagues' touching comments.
I'm also very sad that Jim had to suffer cancer, a very mean disease.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a great man.
Sincerely
Janice Corbett
Janice H. Stewart
September 19, 2017
My condolence to Micheline and family. I had the pleasure working for Jim as his secretary and listening to his big fish stories. RIP.
Barbara J. Brown
September 19, 2017
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. It was a pleasure working with him at Commerce. Jim is at peace. Pray the family will find their peace in his memories.
Bobette Orr
September 19, 2017
My sincere condolences to Micheline and family. I had the opportunity to work with Jim during my assignment to FCS Paris in the 1980s. May God bless you all at this time of loss and give you His peace and comfort.
Jerry Mitchell
September 19, 2017
I served with Jim in my early days with the FCS in Washington DC. Jim was a dedicated public servant, and I learned from him. My condolences on your loss.
Charles Kestenbaum
September 19, 2017
Jim was my first boss at Commerce. He taught me so much. Most important was watching him. Jim showed us by example how to be a truly redeeming human being.
Tyrena Holley
September 19, 2017
I had the pleasure of serving with him while he was in Paris, France for ITMA. He was truly one of a kind.
September 16, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Jim's family.The brief period that I worked with Jim was the best and most productive of my long career.He was a wonderful human being. God Bless him and his family.
Alan Maurer
Adelphi, Maryland
Oksana Kluchko
September 16, 2017
"Love Thy Neighbour "- this Christ 's commandment was easy to follow with Jim. He was a great asset to our community. Jim took kids fishing, taught them kayaking skills. I relied on him for good advice and he never was lost for words.
September 15, 2017
Micheline and all of Jim's family, I considered it a rare privilege to have had Jim as a friend. He was very accomplished and had led such an interesting life which he shared with us. My deepest condolences to you Micheline, his daughter, sons and grandchildren
George Russell, Alexandria, Va.
Ellen Dagenhart
September 15, 2017
Jim was a valued member of the Merkel Cell googlegroup. He was welcoming to those just joining, and supportive and encouraging for all. He touched us all with his great good humor and courage. I send my sympathy and share your loss.
September 15, 2017
It was a privilege and honor to have fished with Jim.
Fishing was secondary to the opportunity to listen to his stories and wisdom. In quiet moments while I am waiting for a fish to tug my line, I will think of Jim. The thoughts will take me back to the precious time I spent with him. Mike Monroe
River Farms
Margaret Solomon
September 13, 2017
Jim was truly a man for all seasons. My contact with him was within the shared community of our MCC group. He had the gift of extending friendship to all. Wishing his family much comfort and peace.
September 13, 2017
My deepest condolences to Jim's family. He and I ran many miles together and worked closely at the Commerce Department. So sorry to see his passing.
Noel Negretti
Arlington Va.
Georgianne Messina
September 13, 2017
My sincerest condolences to your family. Mr. Moorhouse was a cherished member of the google group for Merkel Cell. He gave us hope, made us smile, and offered support to all of us. His life touched so many of us. Again, my deepest sympathy.
George Campbell
September 13, 2017
Our deepest coldences on James' passing.
He is greatly regarded as a MCC Warrior within our MCC Support Group.
He will always be remembered.
________
George Campbell
MCC Support Group Founder
Richard Adler
September 11, 2017
It is difficult to say good by to a friend of 52 years. Hard to believe it has been that long. Hard to believe he is gone. Hard to find the right words to say for this loss. I've followed his very long fight to the end and never heard him complain. Always positive, eager to move forward without fear, but not losing sight of where he was. Proud of his family. The best expression, word I can think of to describe Jim is 'inspirational'. Jim lived a great life to its fullest, always the world traveler, the sportsman. All the pain he must have felt in his long struggle is now gone. He is truly in a better place. He will always be in my thoughts, always. RIP
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