James Leroy Moore

James Leroy Moore known to many as “Grandpa Jim” and “The Watkins Man” was born near Pelican Rapids, MN on September 14, 1931 to Mathew and Clara, (Erickson), Moore. He passed from this life on May 9, 2017.

Jim often recalled early childhood memories of the home near Prairie Lake before the family moved to a small two room house near Dunvilla, MN. Since he was the only boy, the kitchen became his room at night and his task was to keep the fire going in the wood cook stove to warm their home.

Jim received his elementary education at a country school in Dunn Township. He started working at a young age at the Fergus Falls State Hospital as a nursing assistant. He served overseas as a corporal in the US Army during the Korean conflict. He was originally assigned with an artillery unit and later as a communications specialist.

It was about this time that Jim learned to play guitar. He loved to play and sing the older Country/Western songs of his favorite artists like Jim Reeves, Chet Atkins, Ernest Tubb and Hank Williams to name a few.

On July 28, 1956 he married the love of his life, Darlene Skunberg in Pelican Rapids. They moved to Moorhead, MN when Jim began working at the Fargo VA Hospital in November of 1956. He began his career as a nursing assistant and surgical assistant. In the 1970’s, Jim obtained his high school GED then went on to become certified as a Respiratory Therapy Technician, (CRTT) through the California College of Respiratory Therapy. His service was recognized when he was given The Administrator's Hands & Heart award in 1987. After retiring from the VA in 1990, Jim continued his work as a CRTT at Dakota Hospital until 2001. After retiring again, he resumed a previous career as a Watkins representative.

Jim and Darlene raised two children, Michael and Patti, in Fargo. Last summer, Jim and Darlene celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Throughout the years, he served others in many organizations. He was a Past Commander and Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans; Union Steward and Acting President of the National Federation of Federal Employees; he was active in the National Active and Retired Federal Employees; ND Society for Respiratory Care; Life Member of the Moorhead Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was the Advancement Committee chairman for Boy Scout Troop 204 and was honored with the Baden Powell award as well as the coveted Troop 204 Red Jacket. He also served for many years as Beach Captain at their cottage home on Lake Lizzie.

Jim was passionate about photography and enjoyed traveling. He and Darlene made several journeys throughout the country visiting Utah, Oregon, California, Colorado, the Grand Canyon of Arizona, the Great Smokey Mountains, and Nashville Tennessee. Jim also accompanied the Boy Scouts on their many excursions. He was fortunate to be selected to go on an Honor Flight to Washington DC with his son Mike in May of 2016.

Jim is survived by his wife Darlene, son Michael (Karen), daughter Patti (Gary) Heisler. Four grandchildren, Jeremy (Abigail) Newman, Melina Taylor, one soon to arrive great-granddaughter, Mila Spath, Logan Moore, and Bryce Heisler. He is also survived by his sisters LaVerna Mjones and Leona (Richard) Mattson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Helen Jacobson.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Essentia Health Oncology, Edgewood Vista and Rosewood on Broadway for the excellent care Jim received. We're sure they will all miss his guitar playing and singing.

Memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley, First Lutheran Church of Fargo, and WDAY Honor Flight.