James Henry "Blackie" Moore

James Henry Moore Jr., affectionately known as "Blackie," of Smithfield, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the age of 94. Born, August 30, 1931, in Johnston County, he was the son of the late James Henry Moore and Nancy Mumford Moore.

James dedicated his professional life to banking, working for First Citizens Bank for 40 years, where he earned the respect and trust of colleagues, customers, and the community through his integrity and steady leadership. After retiring as a Sr. Vice President with First Citizens, he started his next chapter the following day, working as a N.C. Licensed Real Estate Appraiser for the next nine years.

A man of deep faith, James was a devoted member of First Free Will Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School and faithfully served as a Deacon for 30 years. His commitment to service and his church family was unwavering.

James believed strongly in giving back to his community. He was a longtime member and President of the Smithfield Civitan Club, and he devoted countless hours to civic service. His passion for youth athletics was evident through his decades of involvement with Smithfield Little League Baseball, where he served as a coach and later as President for more than 30 years. Many will remember him spending endless hours at the ball field mentoring young players, making sure that the kids had top notch uniforms and equipment. He wasn't shy to ask for funding, and over the years, he raised thousands of dollars from local community businesses and supporters to make improvements to the Smithfield Civitan Little League baseball field and facilities.

Over his lifetime he served his community in other ways through his leadership on the Smithfield Selma Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Vice President of the Smithfield Jaycees, Chairman of the Johnston County Unit of the American Cancer Society, Johnston County Society of Crippled Children & Adults, Treasurer of the Johnston County Easter Seals, Treasurer of the Johnston County Heart Fund, and the Board of the Tuscarora Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, James was a devoted NC State Wolfpack fan. For more than 50 years, he enjoyed entertaining friends and business clients at Wolfpack basketball and football games. His love of sports began early, especially baseball, which led him to play semi-professional baseball in Wilson, North Carolina.

James grew up on a tobacco farm in Johnston County, where he developed a lifelong love for the land, hard work, and bird hunting. That connection followed him throughout his life. A true gentleman farmer, James and three neighboring families tended a large garden in South Smithfield. Gardening was a family tradition, and the Moore children had to work in the garden before heading off to play with friends or visiting the Family Pool, where James was a founding stockholder and served as treasurer. He took great pride in sharing his harvest, generously providing fresh vegetables to friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, spending time in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a place he often said was the only spot in the world prettier than Johnston County. He loved boating, fishing and spending time at the family's vacation homes in Atlantic Beach and Harker's Island, where he especially enjoyed the peaceful views of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.

Health and routine were important to James. Well into his upper 80s, he faithfully spent countless hours working out at the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center and Health Quest, arriving promptly at 7:00 a.m. to complete his disciplined workout. When he didn't have meetings at the bank, he often walked home at lunch, greeting friends and neighbors along the way, never missing a chance to visit.

James was also jokingly known as the only man who kept a tractor under his garage at the family home in South Smithfield. He dearly loved his red Farmall Cub tractor, a fitting symbol of his practicality and love of the land.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home in Selma, the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Smithfield.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne Creech Moore. Surviving are sons, James H. Moore III (Jay) and wife Jennifer of Smithfield, Chris Moore and wife Dana of Raleigh, and Andy Moore and wife Lydia of Smithfield; and grandchildren Rachel Israel and husband Tyler, Henry Moore, Lillie Moore, Hampton Moore, Griffin Moore and Whitley Kate Moore.

James will be remembered as a devoted family man, faithful servant, mentor, and friend. A man of discipline, generosity, and deep community roots whose life quietly but powerfully touched so many. Contributions can be made to First Free Will Baptist Church of Smithfield, or the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center, Harker's Island, NC.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of James "Blackie" Henry Moore, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of James "Blackie" Henry Moore, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Memorial Donation