Obituary of James Allen Moore

James (Jim) Allen Moore, 68, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Hamot Medical Center surrounded by his loving family and friends. Jim was born in Erie, PA on September 14, 1947 to Leonard S. (“Archie”) Moore and Margaret E. Waldon Moore. From an early age, Jim demonstrated a strong and passionate work ethic. After attending East High School, he became a car salesman for Pete Oatess Ford and then worked his way up to a store manager role for the Boron Oil Company. In 1968, Jim joined the United States Marine Corps and fought bravely in the Vietnam War. He earned the rank of Corporal, within the 3rd Amphibian Tractor Battalion – 1st Marine Division, in June of 1969—a rank he maintained until he was honorably discharged in 1970. He was fiercely proud to be a U.S. Marine. After his service to our country, which he held dearly in his heart, Jim followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and became a police officer. He was promoted to Chief of Wesleyville Police Department after only two years on the job, and proudly served his community as Chief for the next 20+ years. In 1992, he became President of the Northwest Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association for a year and received the Mercyhurst College President’s Award from President William Garvey. While Chief, Jim started C&J’s Mobile Home Services with his good friend Clayton Smith; became a landlord for Penn State Behrend students; and founded a successful plumbing business, American Drain, which he sold to his good friend Joe Witt in 2006. In 1979, Jim married Karen J. Wassell, and they gave birth to one child, Samantha Margaret Moore, in 1987. Samantha (“Samantha Pot” through her toddler years) was the light of his life. Jim always made sure the holidays were magical for her, even through adulthood. Jim was an active lifetime member of V.F.W. Post 470, having served as Jr. Vice and Sr. Vice Commander. He belonged to a variety of local and national organizations including the Erie Moose Lodge 593, United States Bowling Congress, Fairfield Hose Company, National Rifle Association, Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, Wesleyville Business Association, Erie Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, S.O.N.S. (Save Our Native Species) of Lake Erie, American Legion Carl Neff Post 571 (American Legion member for more than 40 years), N.W. PA Walleye Association, Wales Sno-Drifters Club, and the American Legion Riders Motorcycle Club. He was also a proud and dedicated Mason belonging to Lake Erie Lodge No. 347 F. & A.M. Throughout his life, Jim was an avid hunter, fisherman (on his red Lund boat), snowmobile rider, chef, and motorcyclist. He led many Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and 4th of July parades on his trike motorcycle, with POW/MIA, United States Marine Corps, and United States flags flying high. He loved going camping with his daughter Samantha and his good friend Joanne Erikson—early RV trips sometimes included a detour to NASCAR races. Jim was a talented baritone singer, liked good dancin’ music, and enjoyed a mix of classic and contemporary movies. Known for his innate ability for storytelling, Jim infused his tales with an incredibly dry sense of humor. His family and friends loved listening to (and laughing at) his stories. He was a dreamer, entrepreneur, architect, fixer, and doer. He was a loving son, brother, father (“Daddio”), and pet owner, and he will be dearly missed. Surviving are his daughter Samantha M. Moore and son-in-law Andrew J. Bargh of Harrisburg, PA; four sisters, Darlene M. Moore (Dennis Wildauer) of Erie, Beverly L. Moore of Las Vegas, NV, Muriel S. (Shawn) Sova of Erie, and Mary L. (Randy) Walker of Bloomington, IL; two nieces, Julie A. (Stephen) Ross of Greer, S.C. and Hope J. Walker of Bloomington, IL; Samantha’s mother Karen Marzka; Samantha’s aunt and uncle, Carole and John Neil Wassell; and two cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Margaret; his four grandparents, John and Emma Waldon, Samuel Moore, and Muriel Moore Stromenger; and Samantha’s maternal grandparents who he remained close to, Audrey and John Wassell, Jr. Friends and family are invited to the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd., on Thursday, March 17 from 3:00 - 7:30 PM. A Masonic service, conducted by Masonic Lake Erie Lodge No. 347 will be held at 7:00 PM. A funeral service, conducted by Jim’s childhood friend Pastor Paul Friend of New Beginnings Full Gospel Church, will be held at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, 3325 West Lake Rd., on Friday, March 18 at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Erie VA Medical Center, ATTN: Voluntary Office (135), 135 East 38th St., Erie, PA 16504.