Name: Calling hours for James Francis Moriarty Jr.
Start: 2023-06-03T13:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-06-03T14:00:00.000Z
Location: John F. Tierney Funeral Home

James Francis Moriarty, Jr., 87, died peacefully and prayerfully on May 22, 2023, with his wife, family and Reverend Joseph Tito by his side. Jim was the husband of Carol Ann (Kress) and a beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Jim was born in White Plains, New York on Feb. 4, 1936. He is the son of Elizabeth (Hummel) and James Francis Moriarty, Sr. An only child, he was proud to be a part of the Matt "Moriarty Brothers" family. A scholar/athlete graduate from College of the Holy Cross, he then attended Central Connecticut State College for his teaching certification. It was there that he met Carol. Always true to his commitments, Jim married the love of his life on Aug. 20, 1960, at Saint Mark Church in West Hartford and then promptly brought her to Colt's Park so she could watch him play in his team's playoff baseball game on their wedding night. Jim always strived to raise the bar. A history teacher at Illing Junior High School in Manchester for more than 30 years, he was respected by all and feared by some. Jim had the ability to coax his students to "dress up" when that was not the norm – and we are talking 1970's!!! Those who read this and know Mr. Moriarty are aware of what "ties and skirts" meant when it was quiz day.

He coached the Manchester High School basketball team for decades. We doubt there is another coach in Connecticut, or maybe anywhere, that had their toenails surgically removed because they kicked the lockers so many times while trying to encourage his players. His basketball players reading this will have a good laugh. And remember that he walked around after that "operation" for months with sneakers that had cut-out toes. Jim's passion was his love of golf. He was a proud member of Manchester Country Club as well as a past president. He won his share of tournaments and experienced the elusive hole in one. He told his grandson 20 years ago, "If I had only one week to live, I guess I would play a lot of golf". And "Yes, I believe that the afterlife for me is a 36-hole golf course with the best greens in the world".

Aside from his Love for 62 years of marriage, Jim is survived by his son, James Michael Moriarty and his daughter, Jamie (Moriarty) Moore, as well as his son-in-law Brian. He is blessed with granddaughter Brittany and her husband, Brian (Dawson) and their three sons, Everett, Levi and Abram. Jim is further blessed with grandson Connor, his wife Stephanie, and their son Waylon, as well as another child to soon come.

Calling hour will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., on Saturday, June 3, at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St., Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m., at St. James Church, 896 Main St., Manchester.

For online condolences, please visit

www.tierneyfuneralhome.com

In Lieu of Flowers or Donations: DO SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE – OR DON'T LOVE - AND THINK OF JIM.

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Published by Journal Inquirer from May 27 to May 31, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James Moriarty

12 Entries

Mark oakman

May 21, 2025

World History and JV Football
I punted once in a game and Coach Moriarty put me in for that one punt. He did that 'once' for many players to give us the experience that otherwise would never happen. Met him at Illing in 1974, looking for a teaching job after the Army and grad school. in the hallway, big smile on his face, shook hands, and went right up to the principal and said, " hire this man, now", right there and then. Job did not happen, but he was that type of person.. wanting the best for you. one thing I never figured out was his comment in class, ' I made 2 mistakes , and that's it , 2" .. never could figure that out. and finally, he always provided a " crutch" for students to improve their grades, write 20 pages of a history event, per quarter, to improve your grade, cite the passage, and write. I think, at least he showed the most enthusiasm for, was the battle of the Thermopilia Pass... the over whelping odds and courage.. many, many thoughts,. lastly, 25 years ago after moving back to Manchester, I met him at MCC tee box on a Saturday morning and thanked him...thank you Mr. Moriarty

Don Spencer

March 18, 2025

The Manchester Boys won the CT State title for the 1st time since 1938. I have to believe that former Coach Big Jim Moriarty was there in spirit!

Spencer Roman

December 15, 2024

The complete Mentor and Teacher. I can still recall the Presence and his often imitated walk as he entered the classroom. Yup, I wanted to be History Major for a semester and then I realized Mr. Moriarty would be a fixture at MHS forever. Thanks for instilling a love for World History as the Topic is a frequent Jeopardy Category. Take a bow Coach for a Well Done Career.

Barbara Hadigian

May 21, 2024

Remembering a fantastic teacher and fellow coworker

Don

January 20, 2024

Best teacher that I ever had

Barbara Hadigian

June 3, 2023

So sorry for your loss. Both my husband and I enjoyed teacing with Jim at Illing. Always loved seeing his classes dressed up on test day!!!!!

Mark Oakman

June 3, 2023

Condolences to Carol and family..
A teacher whom provided the necessary 'push' to succeed.. His stories of The Battle of Thermopylae and The Battle of Marathon, Xerxes, and Philippides, are Classics. His policy for allowing students to turn in 20 written pages of history, with footnotes, to assist in grade security or an inctrease in a letter grade helped tremendously.
His walk and gait were so distinctive, you knew whom it was, coming and goin from class( pigeon toed). He said, ' I made 2 mistakes in life,' .
but you never knew what they were.
I played on his '63' JV Football team that went 5-1, and was the seed of the historic '65' team. As a coach he allowed you to try one thing you wanted to do "once', and my once was A Punt. When we played Mansfield his pep talk was not about winning but respect towards Mansfield, and humility. I was fortunate to be able to thank him for being my teacher and coach some 20 years ago. Thank you Mr. Moriarty

Shirley Kirk Wightman

June 2, 2023

My sincere condolences to Carol and family. You and Mr. Moriarty (Kirk 66' History, "If you have candy, gum or any form of material in your mouth....") remain my favorite special people in the world, in my heart, and always in my thoughts.

Joe Diminico

May 31, 2023

Simply the best if all the world was like morty it would be a better place having played a lot of golf with Jim the real joy was not if you played well but the conversation and watch him and his great sense of humor he left the world abetted place I will miss him dearly

Joanne Sadloski-Gustafson

May 30, 2023

My daughter (Class of `97) and I (Class of `72) both had the honor of learning and being inspired by the "one and only" Mr. Moriarty. His lessons reached beyond the classroom and into our every day routines. A love of learning and respect. Thank you Mr. Moriarty.

Kristin Perry Schwarz

May 29, 2023

Only a week or two ago, I was referring to Mr Moriarty and his "dress up" requirement. while he had the appearance of being "strict", he simply demonstrated that if you are well prepared, we will do well. He knew that lesson would eventually resonate beyond the 8th grade classroom. i am grateful for his kind psychology that helped prepare me for experiences to come. My condolences to his family. Please know that he was a teacher who made a significant impact on our young lives.

Ginni Jewell

May 27, 2023

He was the reason I became a teacher...

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