James J. Moore

James "Jim" Moore, Age 84, of Glenview, IL, passed peacefully into Eternal Life the morning of March 8, 2015 in the arms of his wife, Mary Ann, while in the compassionate care of Tidewell Hospice of Port Charlotte, Fl. He was the youngest of three children, born October 17, 1930 in Chicago, IL to Maurice and Helen (Fletcher) Moore. A graduate of St. Rita grammar school and St. Phillip High School in Chicago, Jim attended De Paul University for three semesters before enlisting in the U. S. Air Force in 1950. Jim was on active duty stateside with the USAF throughout the duration of the Korean War, wherein he performed with multiple AF Bands throughout the country and served as a Legal Aide. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1954. Jim then completed his studies at De Paul University earning a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy in 1955. Often known as "Mr. Jim", he was loved and embraced as a son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and beloved uncle; as well as a loyal brother and brother-in-law, cousin, cherished friend, good neighbor. Perhaps most of all, he was a unique, inspirational, charismatic musical performer and educator. Although his career in the men's tailored clothing industry was long and distinguished (he held Executive Vice-President positions with Kuppenheimer, Jay-Mar Ruby, Hartmarx and others from the late 50's to the early '90's).....the greatest passions in his life were his family and his music. He shared his passion as a trumpet player, part-time private teacher, musical coach and mentor for many hundreds of young musicians in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs for decades. His influence was especially profound within the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Band, Marian Catholic HS Band, St. Rita HS Band, Glenbrook South HS Band and also the Big Band Machine (now known in Chicago as the City Lights Orchestra). Jim received many awards for his work with young musicians including the CYO Club of Champions and the Lowell Mason Fellow award from the Nat'l. Association for Music Education. Jim was active also in the development of the State of the Art Catholic HS Band Competition and served as the MC of that event from 1980 until recently. The Jim Moore E'Spirit de Corps Award is given every year at the SOTA competition to the Band that most represents the qualities of good conduct, respect and congeniality toward other competitors. Jim was a proud member of the Chicago Musicians Union and enjoyed performing with the City Lights Orchestra for many years. He also performed as a member of the North Shore Concert Band and the Glenview Concert Band. Jim married Mary Ann (Fabish) on November 24, 1957 and they raised five children: Colleen Marie (Bruce) Bagge, Michael James, Laura Anne (deceased), Kathleen Therese (Fred) Moryl and "big brother" Kevin Fabish. He is also survived by grandchildren, Brian, Christine, Karen, Daniel, Claire Fabish and Nicholas Fabish and great-grandchildren, Marin, Evelyn Meadow and a new great-grandson, Patrick, to be born in early April. He was preceded in death by a brother, Maurice, and sister, Helen Rita Jennings. Jim Moore's life was a never-ending quest for excellence. His generosity was legendary among family and friends, all of whom were blessed to know him; he will live on in their hearts and souls forever. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Glenview, IL. Memorial donations may be made to Charity of your choice or Sister Paulanne Needy Family Fund, OLPH Convent, 1772 Glenview Road, Glenview, IL 60025.