Thursday, March 28, 2024

James Sylvan Moore, 86, retired Navy commander, real estate broker and church music teacher

James Sylvan Moore (Courtesy of Altmeyer Funeral Homes)
James Sylvan Moore (Courtesy of Altmeyer Funeral Homes)

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth stands a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day—and not just to me, but to all who long for his appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:7-8)

James Sylvan Moore was born on Dec 18, 1929 and died on Dec 31, 2015. He grew up in Ada, Oklahoma, where he met and married his lifelong partner, Marjorie. In 1958 he and Marge were baptized into Christ at Norview Church of Christ (later Central Church of Christ) in Norfolk, Virginia in 1958. Joining the Navy in 1946 as a seamen’s apprentice, he served on bases in Jacksonville (FL), Millington (TN), Virginia Beach (VA), New London (CT), and Quonset Point (RI), eventually retiring at the rank of Commander. In his second career he was a real estate broker, one of his memorable deals involving the purchase of a piece of property on Shell Road in Virginia Beach, where he dreamed of planting a church someday. The Bayside Church of Christ stands on this property today.

Jim was a man of many talents. For many years he led congregational singing in churches of Christ from Connecticut to Virginia, teaching music classes to anyone who wanted to learn how to read their hymnal better. He taught Bible classes on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings to teens and adults, and even preached on occasion. His stewardship ministry consisted of helping tenants with rent as well as young couples with financing for their first home. In addition to weekly giving to the Church, he began a long partnership with Harding University (AR), paying the tuition for needy students through the Marjorie Lee Moore Scholarship Fund. He died at 86 after a brief illness.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents, Walter and Sylvia Moore, his brother, Frank Moore, his sister, Mary Moore, and his beloved wife Marge. Today he is survived by his nephew Dee and sister-in-law Joyce, as well as four children (with spouses): Mike & Caron Moore, Chuck & Karen Moore, David & Nola Moore, and Susie & Dale Smith. He had 13 grandchildren (with spouses): Justin Moore, Josh & Heather Moore, Lindsey Moore, Joe & Gillian Moore, Nichole & Carson Ross, Preston Miller, Seth Miller, Laura and Ryan Kernutt, Kelsey & Douglas Yates, Brian Moore, Danielle Moore, Ryan Smith, and Danielle Smith—and 10 great-grandchildren: Ronan Moore, Gracynn Ross, Kieran Moore, Norah Moore, Demetri Moore, Jaiden Reedy, Dallas Reedy, Jaxon Reedy, Tinleigh Yates, and Walter Yates.

Viewing will be 6-8 pm on Friday, Jan 8, at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Rd., Virginia Beach, and memorial service will be on Saturday, Jan 9, at 11 am at the Bayside Church of Christ, 5025 Shell Road, Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marjorie Lee Moore Scholarship Fund.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.altmeyerfh.com.

To view the full list of Southside Daily obituaries, click here.

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