James William Moran, 75 years old of Ingleside, IL passed away Monday, October 24, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 24, 1947 in Streator, IL, the son of the late James and Mary (Ondrey) Moran. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy (1969-1973) during the Vietnam War. On August 16, 1975, James married Sharon Ann Baumgartner in Champaign, IL. He was born in Streator, Illinois and graduated from Wyoming High School in 1965.
James attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he received his B.S. in Biology, M.S. in Food Science and Ph.D in Food Science. He later received his M.B.A from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. James worked as a food scientist for Kraft Foods in Glenview, IL. After he retired in 2012, he continued to work for Kraft as an independent cheese consultant. He enjoyed many travels around the world that Kraft sent him to. While at Kraft, he accomplished many things. Some included new products and line extensions for Light Natural cheese and Touch of Butter Spread. He made significant improvements to Philadelphia Cream Cheese and Squeeze Parkay. He was proudly awarded 13 patents from Kraft Foods in his career there.
James is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Sharon; their children, Liam Moran, Maureen (Matthew) Baker, Kieran (Keely) Moran, Aidan Moran; grandchildren, Alina, Miranda, and Moira Moran, Avery, Landon, and Grayson Baker, Conall and Caeleen Moran, Bruce the Hound; sister, Jeanne (Joseph) Houlihan; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his grandson, Noah Martin Baker and a nephew, Kevin James Houlihan.
Our dear father, husband and grandpa was an avid lover of God, family, travel, sports, food science, education, good wine and cheese, home cooked and country meals, Ireland, U of I and great company. He taught our family to understand the importance of dedication to our great country. He was proud for his son, Kieran, to follow in his military steps. In the greatest and most horrifying moments in our family, Jim (Dad) stood as our "rock" and showed up every time.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with Funeral Services and Military Honors to commence at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Strang Funeral Home, 1055 Main St., Antioch, IL 60002. (The Funeral Service will be on Zoom beginning at 3PM-Meeting ID 827 6750 5850 passcode ns7aeZ). Interment will be private in Windridge Memorial Park, Cary, IL. For additional information, call 847-395-4000. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to Ronald McDonald House of Milwaukee or to Fisher House (Helping Military Families). Please sign the online guestbook for James at www.strangfh.com.