James Vernon Moore

It is with a genuinely heavy heart that we announce the passing of a great man, James Vernon Moore, age 85. Born on Tuesday, November 7th, 1939, in Kettering, Ohio, to Jack L. & Miriam E. (née Brunett) Moore. He peacefully passed away late Monday morning, June 16th, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family, at Kettering Health- Washington Township, due to complications of dementia.
As the 3rd generation of the family funeral business, Jim lived with purpose; his early years were marked by a profound sense of community. He played Center for Fairmont High School's football team and graduated class of 1958; his athletic skills led him to Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. In his sophomore year, he earned his football letter and was chosen to serve as a dormitory counselor. He was also a member of the college's student council, a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force ROTC as well as a member of Zeta Phi fraternity. Jim not only excelled in his studies, shone on the football field, but also forged friendships that would endure a lifetime. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, Jim's commitment to service was further exemplified by his decision to join the US Army in the summer of 1963. He served his country with honor and dignity. Then, because life seldomly goes according to plan, Jim was Honorably discharged to return home to run the family business upon the unexpected death of his father, in 1964.
Jim graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in the fall of 1965. He completed his apprenticeships with dedication and fell in-line with the family business; he became a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer in January 1967. While his career would become a testament to his enduring compassion, Jim assumed the role of President of Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home; anyone that knew him also knew that he played as hard as he worked. He was an esteemed member of various associations, including the Montgomery County, Ohio & National Funeral Directors Associations, oMort (Ohio Mortuary Operational Response Team), Dayton Masonic Lodge -St. John's #13, Antioch Shrine, their MotorCorp division, specifically the Precision Motorcycle Drill Team Unit, DYAC (Dayton YMCA Athletic Club- handball), Centerville Lions Club, adult leader for BSA (Boy Scouts of America) Troop # 516, Dayton Ski Club, Austin Healey Club of Dayton, Centerville Historical Society, Centerville High School Jazz Band Boosters, as well as participated with Dayton Trail Riders.
Serendipitously, Jim met Pamela Rose Jones early in 1967. Not only were they both members of the Dayton Ski Club, but ironically lived less than a mile from each other, in Dayton, however it took a group ski trip to Boyne Mountain, Michigan for their paths to finally cross. They married in spring of 1968. Their first son, Jack (named for Jim's father who passed away in 1964), was born in spring 1969 and second son, Gary, was born in the fall of 1970 (named after Jim's brother that was tragically killed in a plane crash in August 1970). The young family of four lived in the private quarters over Jim's historical family business, Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home on Wayne Avenue until 1972, when Jim & Pam closed escrow on a property off (then) rural highway 725 in Centerville. The 6.5 acres had a farmhouse that was built in 1908. The Moore family diligently worked to convert the home into Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home's second location. Over 46 years and through many major construction projects, the Centerville location served the community. In 2018, after 51 years licensed, Jim partially retired, and the property sold.
As a Christian, in his youth, Jim attended Fairmont Presbyterian Church. After moving to Centerville, the family attended Southminster Presbyterian Church. Stories and memories of Jim will continue to remind us that Jim's legacy is proof of the power of human connection; that a life well-lived cannot be measured by personal gains but by the love we share and the comfort we can bring to others. Let us honor Jim by living out his example, and by being a light in the darkness for others.
Survived by Pamela, his "first wife, of 58 years, 4 months and 13 days", sons Jack (Leesa) and Gary (Sara), grandchildren Keely, Kaedon, and Annabelle, brother-in-law Kent (Carmen) Jones, sister-in-law Gloria (JC) Hacker, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, many cousins, as well as numerous wonderful lifelong friends that may as well have been family. He was preceded in death by both parents, his brother Gary E. Moore, and his sister Shirley A. Althoff.
Today, we celebrate as we are reminded of the power of grace and intention. Jim's journey should encourage us all to embrace life with open arms, and to nurture the bonds of faith, family and friendship. His was a life truly lived for others; he found joy in bringing comfort. His smile was a source of solace during some of the darkest of times, he will be remembered as one of unwavering compassion and service. Jim's life was proof of the impact one person can have on a community.
Visitation calling hours for family to receive friends will be 4-7 PM on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home -1632 Wayne Ave. Dayton, OH 45410. Funeral Service will be private. Jim will be laid to rest at Centerville Cemetery, Wednesday, June 25th, 2025.
May He Rest In Peace.
Services and great care are entrusted to Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home. Condolences, fond memories and photos may be shared at: www.DaytonFunerals.com