James W. Moran, Jr.

James “Jim” W. Moran, Jr., 70, of Mechanicsburg, peacefully left the earth on Saturday, March 17th, 2018, at home, surrounded by loved ones, and on a journey to his next great adventure... A proud Irishman, it was fitting that Jim held out until St. Patrick’s Day to finally end his journey here on earth, and to always be remembered and celebrated on his favorite holiday.

Jim was best known for all the great friends he made throughout his life, and the kindness and generosity he showed them. He was a favorite Uncle, Cousin and Pappy amongst his family. He was valued by friends and family for his ENORMOUS SPIRIT FOR LIFE, and greatly respected for creating and living his life on his own terms. Family and friends relate feeling most grateful for all the wonderful experiences that he introduced them to. He wanted to be remembered best by, “my property business – I loved it!” He related this with excitement even in his last days.

Jim was a lover of life, people, and taking adventures in places and with people, far and wide. Jim especially loved everything the ocean offered. He spent long summer weekends during his late twenties and thirties at his vacation home in Delaware, where his parents introduced him to as a boy, on family vacations, in their little tag-a-long trailer. He loved being out on the water swimming, boating, skiing, fishing, crab trapping, clamming and relaxing with family or friends, drinking beer on the Delaware Bay and swimming in the ocean at Rehoebeth Beach. His heart always felt drawn to Florida from the time he ran away from home as a young boy and found work there. After he discovered what he called “paradise” in the Florida Keys, he began spending several months of the winter there, never missing a year in the Keys for at least 25 years, including just weeks ago when his family and friends took him on “The Jim Moran Tour, Living Life to the Fullest,” ending at his home in the Florida Keys! He discovered one of his most loved activities there, Scuba Diving, which he greatly enjoyed introducing and sharing with others. He also loved taking his guests out for boat rides and cocktails to enjoy the sunset from his boat. In addition, Jim spent late summers/early falls in Cape Elizabeth, Maine with his wife, Molly, where he also developed a love for the lakes and ocean in Maine. Jim so enjoyed all of nature, including camping, picnicking, four wheeling and snow skiing. One of his greatest joys was welcoming and spending time with his grandchildren, Makaela and Tyson.

Jim was a self-employed real estate proprietor for most of his life, flipping homes and renting his many properties across the mid-state. He also owned a car wash and laundromat at one point, worked for the Bethlehem Steel Mill in Steelton as a young man, and for several years in the 1980’s as a Maintenance Manager at the Camp Hill Mall.

He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, and he belonged to the Lower Allen VFW Post 7530; he was also a lifelong member of one of his favorite hangouts, The Mechanicsburg Club.

Jim was born in Harrisburg to the late Violet (Rowe) Moran and James William Moran, Sr. Jim Sr. had just passed away in January, 2017 and was greatly missed by his son Jim, who related that he was going to be happy to go see him again.
Living on with immense love in their heart for Jim, is his wife, Molly Snyder Moran; his children, Michelle Balthaser/Luce, Pam Moran, and James W. Moran, III; a stepdaughter, Jessie Weary; four grandchildren, Makaela, Tyson, Amanda, and Ashley; and a great-grandson, Lincoln. He is also survived by a sister, Patricia Moran; a niece, Shannon Moran Celesnik; a nephew, Kelly Moran; and a great-niece and nephew, Madison and Cooper.

Jim was so very grateful for having been able to meet, get to know, and spend time with his daughter, Michelle, just over 4 years ago. Although he only had these short number of years with her, he always had a special place in his heart for her, and she will continue to be cherished by the rest of the family.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of Jim’s caregivers, and particularly to Smitty Niebert and Pat Taylor for their daily commitment and loving care of Jim.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 PM on Friday, April 6th, 2018, at Church of the Good Shepherd, Camp Hill, with the Very Rev. Philip G. Burger celebrating. A visitation will take place at the church from 11:30AM until the start of mass. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow mass at The Mechanicsburg Club. Please come to the Celebration wearing your favorite bandana in honor of Jim. It will be a time to share your favorite stories and to celebrate the incredible life of Jim Moran.

In addition to flowers, memorial contributions on Jim’s behalf may be made to Homeland Hospice (homelandathome.org), 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

For more information, or to send messages of condolence, please visit www.parthemore.com.