Obituary of James Richard Moore

June 13, 1920 – Oakville, Ontario

July 4, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Jimmy the piano man, teacher, wonderful father and husband passed away peacefully in Calgary, AB going into his 103 year. He is now reunited with the love of his life, Joan who predeceased him in May 2017. They were married for 66 lovely years. Knowing them they are probably already going for a walk or drive along the Niagara River with their coffee. This was their favourite place.

Jim is survived by his children, Laurie Nash (David), Stephen Moore (Kit), and Kerry Moore (Brent); grandchildren, Greg Watson (Sujean), Julie Hedges (David), Maggie Moore, Caeden Moore (Jess), Carly Dean (Charles), and Erica Dean (Dylan); and great grandchildren, Finn, and Ashlin Hedges. He will be missed by special Friends Sandy Moore, Garry Watson, Phyllis Rudman, Nancy Weiland, Mary Dueck, Sandy McDermott, and many others from Fort Erie.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Kate and Richard; his brothers Ralph, Tom, Doug, and his sister Colleen; his sisters-in-law Doris, Pearl, and Eileen and brother-in-law Ken.

Jim had a real zest for life and was willing to try many things. He loved to golf and went swimming with sting rays and tried zip lining at 93 years old; he was ever the adventurer. He was an avid Toronto Maple Leaf Fan, Toronto Blue Jays, and football fan. He and Joan tried cross country skiing one winter. Jim enjoyed his involvement in Fort Erie Figure Skating Club, Hockey, and Lions Club.

Jim’s careers were many from delivering fish and chips and newspapers to modeling in his later teen years. He had many years as a jazz guitarist. He said his claim to fame was playing a guitar solo at the insistence of singer Al Martino one night. Jim also worked summers at the Fort Erie Racetrack in the results room while also taking courses to get his BA in Philosophy. Jim knew from early on that he needed to rethink his musical career. He went to Teachers College in Toronto and started teaching the same day his first daughter went to kindergarten in 1956. Jim was a much loved and very much respected teacher and mentor in Fort Erie. He had a remarkable memory for remembering students that would meet him years later. He started at Wintemute School and ended his career as principal of General Vanier in 1985.

Jim and Joan spent many retired winters in St. Augustine Florida; they loved to travel.  They also travelled all around Canada especially the west. Their trips to Great Britain, Arizona, Hawaii, the Med., and Caribbean on cruises were big thrills to them. Jim’s last two years of his life were spent in Calgary at Auburn Heights Retirement Residence where he made many new friends and played the piano for them three nights a week.

Jim loved his family with all his heart. Family meant the world to him and Joan. There were early days at the arena for hockey and figure skating, babysitting grandkids, dogs, cats, and chauffeuring grandkids here and there. A big highlight for all family and relatives were when a pool went in the backyard in1969. Many a wonderful time was spent there. Jim, Dad, father-in-law, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, and friend you will be missed desperately, but we know you were tired and needed rest. REST PEACEFULLY YOUR JOB HERE IS DONE. We love you.

At Jim’s request there will be no funeral service. His organs have been donated to science research and cremation will take place. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, donations can be made to Fort Erie School of Music to their program that helps students who are financially unable to continue in music programs. A cheque can be sent to them in memory of Jim Fort Erie School of Music (137 Catherine St. Fort Erie, On. L2A-2H9) or e-transfer to tracy@fesom.ca. Phone number 905-994-7000. Dad loved music and this would make him very happy knowing other children were enjoying what he loved so much.

In living memory of James Moore, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Another tree will be planted in Fort Erie.

Click Here to View James Moore's Memorial Card