James E. Moran

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.