On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, Cdr. James Albert Moore, passed away in Reno, NV, at the age of 93.
Jim was born on January 15, 1927, in Oakland, CA, to Albert Monroe and Mary Louise (Corica) Moore. He graduated from Point Loma H. S. in San Diego in 1944 and entered the Navy as an Apprentice Seaman that same year. In 1947, while stationed in San Diego, he met his wife, Margaret Ann Drinkwater, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and they were married four years later in May 1951.
Throughout the course of Jim’s 34-year naval career, he advanced through every rate and rank, from Apprentice Seaman to Commander, including Warrant grades W1-W4. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1957. Included in his many awards are service medals from WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
With his family, Jim’s Navy career took him to “sea duty” aboard many carriers and “shore duty” in many interesting places, including Guam. In 1972, he reported as Executive Officer, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 116, the “World Famous Sunkings.” He ended his naval career as Executive Officer of NAS Fallon, NV, in 1976. As XO there, he appropriated the funds necessary to build the base theater and pool and started the very first Sea Cadets Program.
After retiring from the Navy, Jim went on to become the General Manager of the Nugget and Bonanza Casinos in Fallon. After many years in that industry, he went into the real estate business before finally retiring for good in the early 1990’s.
Jim loved vacations with his family and traveling with Margaret in their motorhome. They made many trips together across the U.S. and Canada. He also enjoyed being the captain of his own boat doing anything out on the water. He was an avid fisherman, loved playing Texas Hold ‘Em and was known to play a mean harmonica, especially on the occasion of family birthdays.
Jim was also highly active in the Fallon community and enjoyed his membership in the Elks and as a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 4828.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, and will be deeply missed by daughter and son-in-law Mary and Ron Geyer of Sparks, sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Anita Moore of Reno, Steve and Caroline Moore of Fallon, and Tom and Wendy Moore of Sparks; grandchildren Krysta and Kathryn Moore, Sean Geyer, Garrett (Samantha) Moore, Sarah Moore, Shelby (Trey) Taylor; 3 great grandchildren, Tristan, Kellen and Jase, and many other relatives and friends scattered across country and in Canada.
His family will always remember him as a great storyteller and as a generous and loving father and grandpa.
A private family graveside service was held on Friday, January 22 at the Churchill County Cemetery in Fallon where Jim is now resting beside his beloved Margaret. The family hopes to have a memorial funeral mass later.
Arrangements are under the care of The Gardens Funeral Home in Fallon, NV. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity for children.