ALBANY – James E. “Jim” Moran, age 91, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2017 surrounded by family and friends at home. Born in Binghamton, NY, Jim survived having polio as a child, and enlisted into the Army Air Corps after graduating from Binghamton North High School. He proudly served in the Fifth Air Force, as a nose gunner on a B-24 bomber crew during World War II, completing 26 combat missions over the Pacific. For his actions in combat, among other recognitions, he was awarded 8 bronze service stars, and the Air Medal. Following his military service, Jim returned home, attended Roosevelt Aviation School, training to be an aircraft mechanic. He married his best friend’s sister, Patricia Gorman.
Jim spent his professional career working for Ecolab in the Capital District of NY. He was actively engaged in his children’s activities and pursuits, and later pursued his own interests in photography, cooking, chair caning, small engine repair, golf, hunting and military history. Jim was famous for “adopting” every kid he ever met and never meeting a stranger whom he didn’t end up with as a friend. He will be fondly remembered for his enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures, for his concern for others, and for always saying “Life is too short to be lived seriously.” The family would like to thank his many neighbors, “adopted kids,” and friends who often stopped in to grab a cup of coffee, say hi and brighten his days. They would also like to express great appreciation to his wonderful home healthcare providers and Hospice support personnel who provided love and comfort in looking after him in his final days.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and Patricia, his wife of 52 years. He is survived by his three children Kathy (Keith) Hynes of Nokomis FL, Brian (Vicki) Moran of Dublin, OH, and Mark (Suzi) Moran of Schenectady, NY. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Steven Hynes of Orlando, FL, Chris Hynes of Denver, CO, Patrick Moran of Santa Barbara, CA, Michael Moran of Cincinnati, OH, Ryan Moran of Syracuse, NY, and Kelly Moran of Buffalo, NY.
Visitation will be Friday April 14th from 4-7pm at Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Avenue, Albany. Interment will be at 11:00am, Saturday in Calvary Cemetery, Binghamton, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, 1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, or to a charity of your choice. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Kathy Hynes
To my brothers Brian and Mark we have a great example for living life to its fullest. May we always remember his positivity and love if life until the very end. RIP pop. To my sons Steven and Chris pop loved you so much. Remember the shaving cream fights and BB gun targets. To my neice Kelly you were the only girl so you had a special place in pops heart. And to my nephews Ryan Patrick and Michael pop was always proud of you and your accomplishments. To my sister in laws Suzi and Vicki pop loved you bunches. And to neighbor/son Jeff you went above and beyond as a neighbor stopping to see my dad every day. He cherished your visits.
Michael Holt
Dear Mark, Brian, Kathy and family – my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Having the opportunity to spend time with both your mom and dad living across the street is filled with great memories. After a run on the campus stopping by the house to see them sitting in their chairs and talking with them for hours was a simple joy that I will cherish. Your dad’s smile , sense of humor and positive outlook will remain in my fondest memories.
Rob & Mary Jahn
Mark and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. May the memories you share together bring you comfort and peace. Thinking of you.
Jeanne Graves
My sincere sympathy to all of you for your loss of your father, grandfather , father in law and friend to all of you . Although, Jim is now at peace and free of pain and has gone to be with Pat, you will greatly miss him ,
Know though that you all have such great memories of your wonderful times together with him. I have such good memories of Jim and I will never think of him without smiling because he was just a kind and special guy with a great sense of humor who always knew the right thing to do or say.
My thoughs, love and prayersare with all of you.
Jeanne Graves
Fred & Nancy Meenen
We are very saddened by our adopted Dad’s passing, but know he is in a better place surrounded by friends and family who have gone before him. Especially his beloved Pat. Sorry we couldn’t be with you all personally to express our grief and share our thoughts. Know that we are with you in spirit and prayer.
Love,
Fred & Nancy
Lauri Walsh
My sincere condolences to the whole family . Jim was a true gentleman .
Daniela Filmer
On behalf of the entire care team, I want to extend our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences on the loss of such a wonderful man, father and grandfather. It was an honor and a privilege to be involved in Jim’s care. We will all miss his humor and caring tender nature so much. He was truly an amazing soul and, until we meet again, he will be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire family. God Bless you all.
Don Nasholds
I was the Morgan’s Knickerbocker News paperboy circa early 1970’s collecting the weekly 50 cents along with the dependable 10 cent tip every Saturday morning, Mr. Morgan’s big smile, always some fun comment and a new nickname for me every week. I recall his slight gait never thinking much about it, just figured thats how happy people walked of course not knowing anything about his childhood polio. Mr. and Mrs. Moran, or Jim and Pat as only parents were allowed to call them. Great folks. And the Doaks, Burnetts, Reilly’s, Palmers, Quints, Lieberman, and of course Mr. Rouges perfect front lawn with the no trespassing signs which I always did just to get yelled at. Great neighborhood.
I happened upon this because my dad passed away just a few months ago. He was 93, the same era as Jim.
Don Nasholds (Jr.) North Carolina
Don Nasholds
Sorry about the “Morgan’s”. Autocorrect.