Jim Moore

DEFOREST–Jim Moore, age 77, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, at St. Mary’s Hospital after a fall at home causing a head injury. He was born on April 16, 1941, to John W. “Doc” and Aririsa “Crip” (Alexander) Moore in Lancaster. Jim grew up in Cassville along the Mississippi, and loved that big river. After graduating from Cassville High School, he spent one year at UW Platteville and then joined the U.S. Navy. He was so proud of his time aboard the USS Providence CLG6 from 1960-1964, working as a radar technician. After returning from the Navy, he continued his education at Rockford College, earning his degree in psychology. However, his career path took a different turn as he joined IBM as a field service manager and then Sorbus as a field service technician. Jim later worked at the Post Office as a technician and eventually retired from there. He soon after enjoyed driving school busses for multiple years. Per his son, Jim was a plethora of knowledge and loved sharing with others. He became a master woodworker, having built some stripper canoes and other furniture, but was most proud of the cradle that he built for his first grandchild, Levi. That cradle has now been shared among four more grandchildren, with a plaque of their names on the side. Jim was a Master Mason, member of Scottish Rite, Zor Shrine and Starlight Chapter Eastern Star as well a recent member of the Token Creek Lions Club. Of all these charitable organizations, he enjoyed Eastern Star the most, having served as Worthy Patron for many years. He served as Grand Warder for the Wisconsin Grand Chapter in 2011-2012. As he said, he loved getting the hugs at any Star event, especially from his “Sisters”. Jim married his second wife, Diane Weise on Dec. 4, 1992. They were able to celebrate 25 years of marriage in 2017. Jim is survived by his wife, Diane; son, Kelly (Diana) Moore of Sun Prairie; daughter, Sheri (Joel) Wiersma of Randolph; brother, Allan (Sheila) Moore of Bellevue, NE; and five wonderful grandchildren, Hannah and Ava Moore, and Levi, Sidney and Micah Wiersma. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Gretchen (Gene) Edwards; and nephews and cousins. His best friend (besides Diane), Oscar the boxer, and his four furry kitties will miss him so much. An Eastern Star and Masonic service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018. A memorial service will be held at BURKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5720 Portage Rd., Madison, at 1 p.m., on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, with Pastor Robert Neubert presiding. Military honors will follow the service, with a luncheon after at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from noon until the time of the service on Monday. Burial will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Burke Lutheran Building Fund or Starlight Chapter Eastern Star. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420