Celebrating the life of
Jess Mooney
November 21, 1926 - February 28, 2010
Jess Mooney
Long time Savannah resident Jess Mooney, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, February 28, 2010, under the care of Hospice Savannah.
Born in Brunswick, Georgia on November 21. 1926 to pre-deceased parents, Johnnie Frost Mooney and Jesse Mooney, Sr., he lived in Savannah for most of his life. A graduate of Georgia Military School, he attended Georgia Teacher's College now Georgia Southern University and Armstrong State College. Following college, Jess served in the U.S. Army as a musician in the U.S. Army Ground Force Band, playing trumpet, mellophone, bass horn, French horn, and ultimately served as the drummer, which was to become his life-long musical passion. He followed this passion as the leader of, and drummer in, "The Jess Mooney Orchestra," a ten-piece band which played throughout Savannah during the 1950s & 1960s.
Jess began his media career in 1948 on-air at WWNS Radio in Statesboro, Georgia, and continued it in Savannah at WDAR Radio and WCCP Radio. He began his run at WTOC on WTOC Radio, and then made history as the sports announcer on the very first Savannah television broadcast in 1954. Jess served in many capacities at WTOC during his 38 year career there, including weatherman, sales manager, and ultimately vice president and general manager. During his career, Jess received many accolades and honors, most notably the Broadcaster Citizen of the Year from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters in 1990.
Throughout his years at WTOC Jess also created and appeared in numerous television commercials for local businesses. In recent years he was best known as the spokesperson for Helton Motors, stating "You'll be glad you did!"
Jess served as a director on several boards including the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, the Kiwanis Club, and the Consumer Credit Counseling Services. He was President of the Savannah Ad Club, and served on numerous advisory councils including Arbitron and the Salvation Army.
As a Free-Mason, Jess was a life-member of Ancient Landmark Masonic Lodge in Savannah since 1948. He was honorably active in the Scottish Rite Emeritus and the Alee Temple since 1951. He belonged to and served with distinction with the Greeters and the Royal Order of Jesters since 1977.
Jess was an avid golfer and was a past member of the Savannah Inn and Golf Club, the Savannah Golf Club, and the Bacon Park Seniors.
In addition to his love of music and golf, Jess enjoyed gardening, travel, and baking, including making his own special brand of barbeque sauce which he had bottled with his own label and gave away to family and friends over the years.
Mr. Mooney is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mildred "Biddie" Mooney of Savannah; sons Mark Mooney Gail of Hilton Head Island, SC and Chris Mooney of Savannah; daughter Kay Mooney Mark Agnoli of Durham, CT; grandchildren Victoria Mooney and Andrew Mooney of Hilton Head Island, SC; sister Betty Smith Neil of Crescent Bluff, GA; sister-in-law Paulette Hendrix Pettinella of Wayne, NJ; and several nieces and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers will be fellow members of the Royal Order of Jesters and the Greeters of the Alee Temple, Savannah, Georgia.
Visitation with the family will be at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel on Wednesday, March 3 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 4 in the Hodgson Chapel of Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors.
Burial will follow in Bonaventure Cemetery with military honors.
Remembrances: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416, or on-line at www.hospicesavannah.org.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
I had the pleasure of working with Jess as part of the WTOC-TV team from 1968 to 1978, first as staff announcer and later as weathercaster. Jess was our well-groomed handsome sales manager with a sense of humor and a pleasure to work with...God bless you and your family!
- Dan Hogan, Lakeland, FL
I was sorry to learn that Jess has passed away. I enjoyed working with him at 516 Abercorn in the mid 70's. He was good at image-building for the television station and wrote a dynamite 'promo' for me when I anchored the 11pm weekday news. He was a real pro and good motivator of those he worked with. He also had a fine sense of humor. Thank you, Mr. Mooney.
- Gil Fryer, Reno, NV
Kay, I just found about about your father and I wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to you and Mark at what I know is a difficult time. Keep the beautiful memories in your heart and know he will always be with you. Maria
- Maria Beltramello, Middlebury, CT
Dear Chris and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your beloved father was such a fine man, loved and respected by all who knew him. May your many wonderful memories help to ease your broken hearts. God bless you all.
- The Bouchillons, Savannah, GA
Biddie, it seems I have known you and Jess forever. I remember the fun we use to have at the Jester dances. I believe the world was a better place because Jess was in it. He will be missed by many.
- Ruth Fincher, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Kay, Your dad sounds like such a great man. You must have so many wonderful memories that will keep him with you forever. You, Mark and your family are in our thoughts.
- Rich and Debbie Lane, Mahwah, NJ
Chris and Family - I am so very sorry to hear that your dad passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you....always. Linda
- Linda Ussery Raciappa, Tallahassee, FL
Dear Biddie, Kay, Mark, Chris & family, One of the finest gentleman I've met has joined his creator. Jess set the highest of standards from the outset of manhood by proposing to Biddie, serving his country, achieving amazing accomplishments professionally, and most important, being the best father and husband. Jess set the bar high for living life to the fullest, and his spirit lives on. My thoughts & prayers are with the Mooney family
- Keith Moody, Vienna, VA
Mark, I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know he raised a fine son. All the best to you and your family in this difficult time. Frederick H. Hodge, KMH Trio
- Frederick H Hodge, Savannah, GA
Dear Biddie, Mark, Chris,Kay and family We are deeply saddened to hear of your great loss. Jess was a wonderful family man who was so proud of all of you. We have so many happy memories of him and often wished that we could have spent more time with him over the years. We will be thinking of you and praying for you during this very difficult time. May he rest in peace. Love, Lynn & Arnie
- Lynn and Arnie Agnoli, Vernon, CT
Chris, Sorry about you and your familiy's loss. May God bless you all during this time.
- Chris Shorette, Savannah, GA
Chris....my family has and will continue to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
- Cliff Charnes, savannah, GU
I will always be grateful for the opportunity Jess Mooney gave me at WTOC.
- Ron Wallace, Savannah, GA
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Mooney. He was a wonderful person.
- Ken Douberly, Atlanta, GA
CHRIS;WHAT A HOUSEHOLD NAME JESS WAS IN SAVANNAH..YOU AND FAMILY ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS...SAVANNAH WILL MISS 'YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID'
- JOE BERRY, , GA
Kay, Bernie and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. I wish I could be there in person today and tomorrow to be with you. Please tell your mom, Mark and your brothers our thoughts are with them too. I will always have fond memories of your dad during our trips to Savannah and the times he and your mom came to visit at Penn State. He was a wonderful person. Gina and Bernie Grundusky
- Gina Grundusky, Harrisburg, PA
Dear Biddie, you are in our hearts & prayers. I will come to see you soon. The Hilderbrandt family
- Anne Hilderbrandt, metter, GA
Dear Kay, We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He was a wonderful man. May all your happy memories comfort you during this difficult time. Remember that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Chris and Jill
- Chris and Jill Lombatdi, Old Saybrook, CT
Dear Kay - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time. What a wonderful man your dad was!! I hope that good memories are able to bring you comfort. With love, Kathy and Emily
- Kathy Cassidy, West Hartford, CT
Kay, So sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mark
- Mark D. Lofton, Savannah, GA
I was so sorry to hear of Jess's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
- Barbara Parker, Wayland, MA
Your family is in our prayers.
- Vincent and Christine Asaro, , CT
Kay, I am so sorry about your father's passing. He was a great man, and I know you will find comfort in the fond memories you have of him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Greg
- Greg Parker, Natick, MA
Biddie, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Jess was a wonderful man and you were a great team. Stay strong and know God loves you.
- Jane McIntosh, Savannah, GA
My love and prayers go out to the Mooney family so they may find peace.
- Kim Renee Thibodeau, Portland, CT
Jess and my Dad were good friends and played golf together often. I remember Jess from his early radio days and the beginning of WTOC-TV. He was truly the 'Voice of Savannah.' God bless his soul.
- Buster White Jr., Columbia, SC
Kay and Mark We are so sorry to hear the news of the passing of your dad. I remember meeting him at the summer home and how much fun we had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Kevin and Jen Sablich & Family
- Kevin Sablich, Saratoga Springs, NY
Kay, my prayers are with your entire family. May you continue to share many wonderful memories of Jess.
- Mark Dickson, Guilford, CT
Dear Biddie and family, It was with deepest sympathy to learn of the passing of Jess. Biddie,there are so many wonderful memories of you and Jess visiting with Mark and Kay in Durham. I hope that these memories will help to easen your sorrow in the days to come. Your family has always been and will continue to be very special to me. With much love and heartful thoughts. Priscilla
- Priscilla Agnoli, Orange, CT
Dear Kay, we are so sorry to hear about your loss, may he rest in peace... I know your dad will continue to live in your hearts and memories... I wish your family strength and tranquility during this difficult time, you are in our thoughts... Serdar & Pelin
- Serdar Ciris, Cromwell, CT
Dear Kay, sincere condolences on the loss of your father. May your memories give you comfort and strength. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Shital and Pooja, Fairfield, CT
Kay, I was saddened to hear of the loss of your father. I have fond memories of sleepovers when we were in grade school at Hancock. I always think of your Dad with a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Allison Sapp Haeussler, , GA
Kay and Mark, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Candy Krebs and Herb Carlon, South Windsor, CT
Please know that your entire family has our sympathy in the loss of your loved one. My father and Jesse's father were brothers and I deeply regret that time and distance kept us from being closer as a family. If there is anything that we can for the family, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Pam and Jim Ricks Mooney, Lake Park, GA
We are very sorry for your loss.
- Christopher & Marjorie Kowal, Bethany, CT
Mark and Kay - I am very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
- Thomas Sargent, Avon, CT
CHRIS AND FAMILY; SHIRLEY AND I WISH TO EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS OF JESS. WE ARE THINKING OF YOU. BILL USSERY
- BLL USSERY, LAKE WALES, FL
Although I never had the chance to meet Jesse my late husband Johnny Cole spoke of him often. He shared some very fond and funny memories with me. When Johnny passed away I recevied a very nice card from him. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Debra Cole
- Debra Cole, Midway, GA
Jess will be greatly missed. I well remember his sincere and soft-spoken manner; his generous lessons and directions during my early advertising ventures in Savannah. My thoughts and prayers are with both family and friends during this difficult time.
- Jacqueline Lyons Robinson, Bluffton, SC
Dear Biddie, Mark, and family: could not believe it was our Jess when I saw the short notice in today's paper. He was such a part of my happy career in broadcasting even tho we know he could be aggravating!. I've never forgotten my times with him, our adventure in the live morning talk show '11 Alive', his interest in my famous cookbook 'Hot Dog'! Such a character, such bad jokes, such a salesman, such a splendid fellow. I'm so sorry .. but I know he's 'up there' hustling up some sort of mischief!
- Mickey Wallace, Savannah, GA
Kay, Mark and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Let your fond memories of great times you spent with your dad comfort the sadness in your hearts. We're thinking of you. The Ramos Family--
- Linda Ramos, wethersfield, CT
Kay, Mark Our thoughts and hearts are with you. Irene, Ugur and Aleks
- Irene Krasovsky, farmington, CT
Kay - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
- Don and Carol Jones, Vernon, CT
Kay, I am so sorry to hear about your father. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Also, please know that you have a friend who understands and will be here for you. With Deepest Sympathy, Deanna
- Deanna Fidler, West Hartford, CT
Kay, Mark, and Family: We're so sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Paul, Sarah, Emily & Lauren Bernstein
- Paul Bernstein and Family, Hartford, CT
Kay, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. My mom just called and told me. I always remember all the good times we had when he was the station manager at WTOC and we got to do the cheerleading and elf commercials. What a great man! He will be missed by many. Love to you and your family during this difficult time. You are in my prayers. If you need anything, please let me know. Love, Lisa
- Lisa Brantley Yannett, Savannah, GA
I had the pleasure of working with Jess as part of the WTOC-TV team from 1968 to 1978, first as staff announcer and later as weathercaster. Jess was our well-groomed handsome sales manager with a sense of humor and a pleasure to work with...God bless you and your family!
- Dan Hogan, Lakeland, FL
I was sorry to learn that Jess has passed away. I enjoyed working with him at 516 Abercorn in the mid 70's. He was good at image-building for the television station and wrote a dynamite 'promo' for me when I anchored the 11pm weekday news. He was a real pro and good motivator of those he worked with. He also had a fine sense of humor. Thank you, Mr. Mooney.
- Gil Fryer, Reno, NV
Kay, I just found about about your father and I wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to you and Mark at what I know is a difficult time. Keep the beautiful memories in your heart and know he will always be with you. Maria
- Maria Beltramello, Middlebury, CT
Dear Chris and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your beloved father was such a fine man, loved and respected by all who knew him. May your many wonderful memories help to ease your broken hearts. God bless you all.
- The Bouchillons, Savannah, GA
Biddie, it seems I have known you and Jess forever. I remember the fun we use to have at the Jester dances. I believe the world was a better place because Jess was in it. He will be missed by many.
- Ruth Fincher, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Kay, Your dad sounds like such a great man. You must have so many wonderful memories that will keep him with you forever. You, Mark and your family are in our thoughts.
- Rich and Debbie Lane, Mahwah, NJ
Chris and Family - I am so very sorry to hear that your dad passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you....always. Linda
- Linda Ussery Raciappa, Tallahassee, FL
Dear Biddie, Kay, Mark, Chris & family, One of the finest gentleman I've met has joined his creator. Jess set the highest of standards from the outset of manhood by proposing to Biddie, serving his country, achieving amazing accomplishments professionally, and most important, being the best father and husband. Jess set the bar high for living life to the fullest, and his spirit lives on. My thoughts & prayers are with the Mooney family
- Keith Moody, Vienna, VA
Mark, I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know he raised a fine son. All the best to you and your family in this difficult time. Frederick H. Hodge, KMH Trio
- Frederick H Hodge, Savannah, GA
Dear Biddie, Mark, Chris,Kay and family We are deeply saddened to hear of your great loss. Jess was a wonderful family man who was so proud of all of you. We have so many happy memories of him and often wished that we could have spent more time with him over the years. We will be thinking of you and praying for you during this very difficult time. May he rest in peace. Love, Lynn & Arnie
- Lynn and Arnie Agnoli, Vernon, CT
Chris, Sorry about you and your familiy's loss. May God bless you all during this time.
- Chris Shorette, Savannah, GA
Chris....my family has and will continue to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
- Cliff Charnes, savannah, GU
I will always be grateful for the opportunity Jess Mooney gave me at WTOC.
- Ron Wallace, Savannah, GA
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Mooney. He was a wonderful person.
- Ken Douberly, Atlanta, GA
CHRIS;WHAT A HOUSEHOLD NAME JESS WAS IN SAVANNAH..YOU AND FAMILY ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS...SAVANNAH WILL MISS 'YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID'
- JOE BERRY, , GA
Kay, Bernie and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. I wish I could be there in person today and tomorrow to be with you. Please tell your mom, Mark and your brothers our thoughts are with them too. I will always have fond memories of your dad during our trips to Savannah and the times he and your mom came to visit at Penn State. He was a wonderful person. Gina and Bernie Grundusky
- Gina Grundusky, Harrisburg, PA
Dear Biddie, you are in our hearts & prayers. I will come to see you soon. The Hilderbrandt family
- Anne Hilderbrandt, metter, GA
Dear Kay, We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He was a wonderful man. May all your happy memories comfort you during this difficult time. Remember that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Chris and Jill
- Chris and Jill Lombatdi, Old Saybrook, CT
Dear Kay - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time. What a wonderful man your dad was!! I hope that good memories are able to bring you comfort. With love, Kathy and Emily
- Kathy Cassidy, West Hartford, CT
Kay, So sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mark
- Mark D. Lofton, Savannah, GA
I was so sorry to hear of Jess's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
- Barbara Parker, Wayland, MA
Your family is in our prayers.
- Vincent and Christine Asaro, , CT
Kay, I am so sorry about your father's passing. He was a great man, and I know you will find comfort in the fond memories you have of him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Greg
- Greg Parker, Natick, MA
Biddie, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Jess was a wonderful man and you were a great team. Stay strong and know God loves you.
- Jane McIntosh, Savannah, GA
My love and prayers go out to the Mooney family so they may find peace.
- Kim Renee Thibodeau, Portland, CT
Jess and my Dad were good friends and played golf together often. I remember Jess from his early radio days and the beginning of WTOC-TV. He was truly the 'Voice of Savannah.' God bless his soul.
- Buster White Jr., Columbia, SC
Kay and Mark We are so sorry to hear the news of the passing of your dad. I remember meeting him at the summer home and how much fun we had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Kevin and Jen Sablich & Family
- Kevin Sablich, Saratoga Springs, NY
Kay, my prayers are with your entire family. May you continue to share many wonderful memories of Jess.
- Mark Dickson, Guilford, CT
Dear Biddie and family, It was with deepest sympathy to learn of the passing of Jess. Biddie,there are so many wonderful memories of you and Jess visiting with Mark and Kay in Durham. I hope that these memories will help to easen your sorrow in the days to come. Your family has always been and will continue to be very special to me. With much love and heartful thoughts. Priscilla
- Priscilla Agnoli, Orange, CT
Dear Kay, we are so sorry to hear about your loss, may he rest in peace... I know your dad will continue to live in your hearts and memories... I wish your family strength and tranquility during this difficult time, you are in our thoughts... Serdar & Pelin
- Serdar Ciris, Cromwell, CT
Dear Kay, sincere condolences on the loss of your father. May your memories give you comfort and strength. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Shital and Pooja, Fairfield, CT
Kay, I was saddened to hear of the loss of your father. I have fond memories of sleepovers when we were in grade school at Hancock. I always think of your Dad with a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Allison Sapp Haeussler, , GA
Kay and Mark, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Candy Krebs and Herb Carlon, South Windsor, CT
Please know that your entire family has our sympathy in the loss of your loved one. My father and Jesse's father were brothers and I deeply regret that time and distance kept us from being closer as a family. If there is anything that we can for the family, please don't hesitate to ask.
- Pam and Jim Ricks Mooney, Lake Park, GA
We are very sorry for your loss.
- Christopher & Marjorie Kowal, Bethany, CT
Mark and Kay - I am very sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
- Thomas Sargent, Avon, CT
CHRIS AND FAMILY; SHIRLEY AND I WISH TO EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS OF JESS. WE ARE THINKING OF YOU. BILL USSERY
- BLL USSERY, LAKE WALES, FL
Although I never had the chance to meet Jesse my late husband Johnny Cole spoke of him often. He shared some very fond and funny memories with me. When Johnny passed away I recevied a very nice card from him. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Debra Cole
- Debra Cole, Midway, GA
Jess will be greatly missed. I well remember his sincere and soft-spoken manner; his generous lessons and directions during my early advertising ventures in Savannah. My thoughts and prayers are with both family and friends during this difficult time.
- Jacqueline Lyons Robinson, Bluffton, SC
Dear Biddie, Mark, and family: could not believe it was our Jess when I saw the short notice in today's paper. He was such a part of my happy career in broadcasting even tho we know he could be aggravating!. I've never forgotten my times with him, our adventure in the live morning talk show '11 Alive', his interest in my famous cookbook 'Hot Dog'! Such a character, such bad jokes, such a salesman, such a splendid fellow. I'm so sorry .. but I know he's 'up there' hustling up some sort of mischief!
- Mickey Wallace, Savannah, GA
Kay, Mark and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Let your fond memories of great times you spent with your dad comfort the sadness in your hearts. We're thinking of you. The Ramos Family--
- Linda Ramos, wethersfield, CT
Kay, Mark Our thoughts and hearts are with you. Irene, Ugur and Aleks
- Irene Krasovsky, farmington, CT
Kay - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
- Don and Carol Jones, Vernon, CT
Kay, I am so sorry to hear about your father. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Also, please know that you have a friend who understands and will be here for you. With Deepest Sympathy, Deanna
- Deanna Fidler, West Hartford, CT
Kay, Mark, and Family: We're so sorry for your loss. You're in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Paul, Sarah, Emily & Lauren Bernstein
- Paul Bernstein and Family, Hartford, CT
He was a really great man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Michael Lloyd, Thousand Oaks, CA
Kay, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. My mom just called and told me. I always remember all the good times we had when he was the station manager at WTOC and we got to do the cheerleading and elf commercials. What a great man! He will be missed by many. Love to you and your family during this difficult time. You are in my prayers. If you need anything, please let me know. Love, Lisa
- Lisa Brantley Yannett, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
