James Gates Moore Jr.

James G. Moore Jr. COLUMBIA - James Gates Moore, Jr., "Jim," died on May 2, 2015. He was born December 29, 1925, in Daytona Beach, Florida, the son of the late James G. Moore and Winona Lapp Moore. He attended Emory University for several years and later graduated from the University of Florida. He volunteered for the U.S. Merchant Marine during the late part of World War II and served again as a sergeant in the U.S. Army in Korea during that conflict, earning awards for "meritorious achievement." His time in the service took him to six of the seven continents, missing only Antarctica. He worked as a reporter for several Florida newspapers, serving as the assistant editor of the Deland Sun before moving to industrial writing at Cape Canaveral early on in the space program. He transferred to the Charleston area in 1967. He had a great love of the ocean and many family vacations took place at the beach. His three daughters' earliest memories include being carried together by their dad out into the "deep" water of the Atlantic Ocean, clinging tightly to him in "terror." He taught us all to body surf, build sand castles, and wear sunscreen. As an avid photographer, Jim documented every family event, sometimes to the dismay of his teenage daughters. He and his wife, Barbara traveled widely in their retirement, including Israel twice, England, Scotland, France, Canada, and many U.S. destinations. Jim was an active volunteer, serving as president of the Dorchester Club in Summerville, a Florida chapter of the National Management Association, the Summerville Band Boosters Club and the Friends of the Summerville Library. He also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and the Palmetto House, a homeless shelter for men. He was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church. He met his wife, Barbara, on a blind date. Upon returning home from that date, Barbara told her mother that she had met the man she would marry. A week later he proposed, and at his death, they had been married for 58 years. Perhaps his greatest legacy came in the last ten years of his life, after Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He devoted these years to her care, remaining present, loving, compassionate and faithful, despite the difficulties and grief of the disease. He taught us much about love and commitment during this time. He is survived by his wife, Barbara C. Moore, now of Columbia, their three daughters, Susan Moore Prinz (Ron), Pamela Breen (Bob), and Amy Moore, all of Columbia. Three grandchildren who added much joy to his life are Elizabeth Prinz of London, and Thomas Breen and William Breen of Columbia. His funeral will be Saturday, May 9, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church, 6408 Bridgewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29206. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The State Library, PO Box 11469, Columbia SC 29211, Friends of the Summerville Library, PO Box 1091, Summerville, SC 29483, or the Alzheimer's Association. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.