Dr. James F. Moore, Jr. was born in Barbourville, KY on July 19, 1938. He passed away on May 26, 2019 at Hospice House of Bowling Green, KY at the age of 80, after a hard fought battle with Parkinson’s disease.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Donna D. Moore, his daughter Gina M. Moore of Bowling Green, KY, his son Joseph F. Moore (Mindie) of Nixa, MO, one brother Dr. John A. Moore (Rebecca) of Midway, KY and two grandchildren Alyssa and Alexander Moore.
Dr. Moore was an U.S. Army veteran. His educational background includes a B.S. from Western Kentucky State College in 1965, a M.S. from Clemson University in 1969, and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in 1976. Prior to his studies at Arizona, Dr. Moore worked from 1969-1972 as a Plant Pathologist for the Guam Department of Agriculture.
Dr. Moore joined the Missouri State University (MSU) State Fruit Experiment Station in 1975 as Research Plant Pathologist. His work centered on control of fruit diseases and investigations of fruit varieties. In 1984 Dr. Moore was appointed Director of the State Fruit Experiment Station. In addition, in 1994 he assumed the position of Head of the newly formed Department of Fruit Science.
In the course of an active career, Dr. Moore had many accomplishments. He received grants totaling more than $2.5 million to support research and advisory work. Dr. Moore was invited to deliver presentations to research conferences and advisory meetings in the U.S. and abroad, China, England, Italy, and India. He also authored a number of advisory and research publications. Under Dr. Moore’s guidance the research programs at the University campus at Mountain Grove, Missouri expanded in scope, personnel, and accomplishments. Dr. Moore was an active supporter of Missouri’s fruit industries overseeing the expansion of advisory efforts that directly serve Missouri fruit growers.
After retiring from the university, Dr. Moore wanted to return to Kentucky. He chose Bowling Green and purchased a property for planting a peach orchard. He and his wife planted an orchard and sold the fruit at the local farmers market. He enjoyed the challenge of the whole process: selecting farmland, planting trees, pruning and harvesting and selling peaches. He also planted a rose garden and a large vegetable garden. Dr. Moore was happiest when he was working outdoors. After a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease Dr. Moore participated in the Rock Steady Boxing program in Bowling Green, where he made many friends.
Funeral services will be 12 :00 pm, Thursday May 30, 2019 at State Street United Methodist Church. Visitation at the church will be Thursday from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm.
Burial will be 1:00 pm EDT, Friday, May 31, 2019 at Pine Hill Cemetery in Louisa, KY. Arrangements have been entrusted to J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family requests donation be made to the National Parkinson Foundation or Rock Steady Boxing.
My Condolences on the lost of Jim. He was a fine gentleman and a dear friend. We will miss him at our class reunion (class of 1958) next week. Donna you are always welcome at our reunion if you are in Louisa and bring my classmate, John and family with you.