James Albert Moore, 87, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away October 21 after a long illness. A seventh generation Savannahian, James was born to Eleanor Starrs Moore and Henry Jackson Moore and resided in Savannah his entire life. He graduated from Benedictine Military Academy in 1955. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served honorably during the pre-Vietnam era, and retired from Solomons Drug Company, Savannah, after 45 years of trusted service.

James’ strong values were reflected in devotion to his family, generosity to numerous charities, respect for the rights of all, and kindness to others. A man of strong, quiet faith, James was a practicing Catholic all his life. Early in his adult life, he began attending symphony and opera concerts, touring art exhibits, and enjoying theater. He had a particular love for Shakespeare. Some of his earliest travels were to New York, for the Metropolitan Opera.

James served as an usher at St. John the Baptist Cathedral where he enjoyed greeting parishioners with a welcoming smile on Sunday mornings. James also facilitated the continuance of prayer in the Adoration Chapel.  He was a member of the Senior Learning Center where he especially enjoyed the Friday morning Film Series and singing as a member of the Local Vocals. He was a season ticket holder for the Savannah Symphony, and a member of the Victorian Society. He held strong convictions for the rights of all people, women and men, and generously donated to many charitable organizations.

James is remembered as a kind gentleman, a gracious host, and for his delightful sense of humor. He loved the theater, literature (especially Shakespeare), opera, classical film, and the visual arts. He enjoyed gardening and loved beautiful flowers. He was known throughout the neighborhood as the best dressed gardener as he could be spotted, on occasion, gardening in Brooks Brothers shirts. He had a passion for progress, in gardening and people.

James is survived by his beloved wife Kathleen, son Michael and daughter-in-law Caroline, son John and daughter-in-law Marian, and two grandchildren, Mary Elliott and Piper Elizabeth, all of whom he adored.  He is predeceased by his sister, Sister Mary Eleanor Moore, Ph.D. of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s of Carondelet.

The family gives special thanks to the staff at Azalealand and Spanish Oaks Nursing homes. He was blessed in particular to have special assistance from Nora Shuman, whom James loved for her compassionate and loving care throughout his illness. 

 Donations are gratefully accepted in James’ memory to St. Jude’s Hospital, The Senior Learning Center of Savannah, Meals on Wheels at SCI, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John Baptist Savannah.

Visitation will be held at Fox and Weeks, Islands Chapel on Friday evening from 5 pm until 7:00 pm. The Mass Christian Burial will be on Saturday morning at 10 am, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, with burial to follow in the Catholic Cemetery.