James Leroy Moore, 94, known to most as “Jim” or “Bill”, passed away just after sunset on May 15, 2026 in Fremont, Michigan.

James was born December 15, 1931 in Dewitt, Arkansas to George Moore and Lillie Ralstin Moore. He moved with his family to Albion, Michigan in 1946. He attended Albion High School and then went on to Spring Arbor Junior College, where he met the love of his life, Eleanor “Lenny” Connor. The couple married in 1954 and moved to Rochester, New York, where James continued his education at Roberts Wesleyan College. Following graduation in 1959, the couple settled in southeast Michigan, and James became an elementary teacher for Taylor Public Schools in Taylor Michigan. He went on to receive his Masters in Elementary Counseling from Eastern Michigan University in 1965 and began his career as an Elementary School Counselor for Taylor Schools. He was recognized for his contributions to the field of school counseling and was honored as Elementary School Counselor of the Year for the State of Michigan and President of Michigan Elementary School Counselor’s Association. Meanwhile, the family grew with the birth of four children. James and Lenny were active members of the Dearborn Free Methodist Church, and James was integral in the planting and building of the Taylor Free Methodist Church.

After raising their family, the couple retired to Springfield, Missouri. They soon became members of Second Baptist Church, where they developed dear friendships in the Senior Seconds class.

James was intentionally kind. He was intelligent and had a delightful sense of humor. He was always quick with a story. He loved music and travel, he loved his family, and he had an unwavering faith in Jesus.

James was preceded in death by Lenny, his beloved wife of sixty-nine years, his parents, his brother Cecil Moore, and his sister Mary Louise Robertson. He will be lovingly missed by his children Cathy Razook, Jeff (Lora) Moore, Kristen (Don) Galloway, and Greg Moore, grandchildren Kevin Razook, Matthew Razook, Dustine (Bryan) Baez, Elizabeth Galloway, Mitchell (Alyssa) Galloway, Lindsay (Brandon) Bean, and Lauren (Evan) Jakab, as well as four great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.