BBBTV12 Serving Anderson, Roane, and Morgan Counties
After a hard battle with Parkinson’s disease, leukemia, heart failure, and kidney failure, Mr. James (Jim) Aaron Wiley Moore of Oak Ridge, age 89, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Born in Knoxville, Tennessee December 11, 1936, entering John Tarleton Boys’ Home (orphanage) at the age of six with his younger brother George. Jim was a selfless and giving man taking on roles throughout his life that made this evident. He was an active member of The Melton Lake Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He served in numerous capacities since joining in 1976, both most recently as a volunteer in the church’s Storehouse preparing and distributing food and personal and household necessities to communities throughout East Tennessee, southeast Kentucky, and northeast North Carolina.
Jim brought joy to the lives of thousands of children and families over 20+ years as Santa Claus.
He retired from the position of surveyor at Y-12, but also worked in other fields as he provided for his family.
Jim expressed love for people through service, even as a child. As an adult, his service began leaving the orphanage at the age of 19 and enlisting in the US Navy. When he returned home, his chosen job fields of Oak Ridge police officer and ambulance driver continued to reflect love through service.
Preceded in death by his father, Aaron Guinn Moore; his mother, Ruth Elizabeth White; brothers Carl Moore, Vernon Eugene Moore, George Edward Moore, David Moore, and Lynn Hood; sisters Helen Moore, Mary Hood, and Dolores Moore; wives Evelyn King, Sally Starr, Emily Sweeden-Sammons, and Shirley Ann Runion Moore; son Victor Paul Connelly; grandson, Zack Moore.
Survived by brother Richard Moore; wife Kathryn Moore; children Rodney Moore (Debbie), Pam Moore (Annette Matthews), Diona Moore, Tisha Moore (Sarah Moore), Matthew Moore (Tiffany Moore), David Connelly, Tony Oldham, Carrie Sink (David), Gina Marrow, Alex Marrow; 24 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; a plethora of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express special thanks to the staff of CNS for the wonderful care they provided, especially Amy Wells, Brianna Holland, Deborah Akerele, and Madison Hull, who were witnessed providing him with the dignified care he deserved.
Receiving of friends will be held Sunday, April 26, 2026, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 140 South Jefferson Circle, Oak Ridge, TN, from 3:00 PM-5:00 PM. All are invited
Jim will be laid to rest in Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Knoxville, Tennessee.
