John Edward Moore, Jr., age 83, of Adrian, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022, with his family by his side.
“That’s too much. We’re not getting that.” ~John Moore, Christmas
shopping with his daughter, every year of her adult life
John was raised in Haskins, Ohio, and became a stand-out athlete in high school. His family didn’t have much, and he began working at fourteen years of age…a work ethic that he kept throughout his life. John also had an entrepreneurial streak, often dragging his family to check out “exciting” new opportunities, such as starting a worm farm. John had an unbridled enthusiasm for a senior citizen discount, and he even convinced the staff at a skilled nursing facility to try to purchase his used/broken walkers during a
rehab stay. John never became wealthy in financial gains, but he had a quiet wisdom that will always remain with his loved ones.
“The church had never had a groom show up ‘hungry’ for a wedding
before, and they had to feed him peanut butter and crackers, so that
he didn’t pass out.” ~Michelle X. Moore, about their wedding day
During his time as an officer in the Army reserves, John proposed to his future wife, Michelle, at a shooting range. They married in 1965, celebrating 57 years of marriage before his passing.
“John Moore, 31-year old basketball coach at Sand Creek High
School, has been named by the Telegram as Lenawee County’s
‘Coach of the Year.’” ~Adrian Daily Telegram, 1971
After graduating from Bowling Green State University in 1964, John became a teacher and coach in Grand Rapids, Ohio. In 1966, John accepted a position with Sand Creek High School (Sand Creek, MI). In the six years as varsity basketball coach, John amassed an “almost unbelievable” (Daily Telegram) 78-33 win-loss record. He was named “Lenawee County Coach of the Year” and earned multiple team
championships for his coaching roles with the Aggie football, basketball, and baseball teams. He was incredibly proud of one of his players, Ernie Ayers, who became a coaching legend, in his own right, at Sand Creek High School, and who he considered a part of his family. John always held a special place in his heart for the Sand Creek athletes and community.
“John Moore would have had a pocket full of pens, all lined up in that
pocket protector in his shirt, in all colors” ~Glenda Palpant (Co-
Worker, Madison High School)
For twenty-five years, John served as an administrator at Madison Jr/Sr High School in Adrian, Michigan. When former students talk of him, the most popular response is that he was “fair”. John was a quiet protector of the weak. He took many young people under his wing, especially those with difficulties at home, because he had survived similar circumstances as a young man.
“He always evaluated everyone’s driving skills!” ~Bill Stetson,
Brother-In-Law
After retirement, John re-started teaching driver’s education and loved having students for fun, instead of discipline, reasons. John taught driver’s education to each of his children and his grandchildren.
“Pappas, what are you going to get me into this time?”~John Moore
to his brother-in-law, Greg Pappas
John enjoyed playing golf with friends and even learned to make his own golf clubs. He ran a small standardbred horse farm for many years, having been introduced to horses by his great grandfather. There were years of Sunday poker games with co-workers, and John loved his breakfast meetings with his former Madison and driver’s ed co-workers. John also loved shenanigans, and he was usually ready to participate in any joke-mongering.
“Hello Traci, this is John Moore calling…” ~John Moore, voicemail to
his daughter-in-law, nearly every morning
During his last few years, John dealt with the illness of Alzheimer’s Disease, but, much to the joy of his children and grandchildren, he never lost his sense of humor. John never met a fart joke or a cookie that he didn’t like, and he had an insurmountable obsession with A&W Sugar Free Root Beer packets. He called his daughter-in-law often, knowing that she would supply him with a cheeseburger and (at least) 3 catsup packets. Whenever he started a story with, “I shouldn’t tell you this, but…”, you knew that you were in for a STORY. Alzheimer’s can be a very lonely disease, and John remembered and appreciated those who still made time to spend with him during his illness.
“Most importantly, how loving and caring Grampy was. He was so
patient and kind with us crazy kids (even as adults), and that is one
thing I’ll always remember.” ~Alex LeVeque, grandson
John loved his family, and he was very proud of the father and husband that his son, Michael, had become. John adored his grandchildren; his form of “babysitting” often involved allowing the children
free reign on “hair and makeup”, while he took a nap.
“I thought that he always made everyone feel valued,” ~ Ernie Ayers,
former Sand Creek athlete
When his daughter, Michelle, purchased her first home, John spent most of his available time teaming up with her to learn renovation skills. When someone needed him, John showed up. Always. No questions/no strings attached. He loved animals, and he loved people. John had a gentle patience that drew others to him, and his absence will leave a huge hole in our hearts.
John Moore is survived by his wife of 57 years, Michelle X. (Pappas) Moore; son, Michael John Moore (“the creative one”), daughter-in-heart Traci Moore (“the fun one”), daughter Michelle A. Moore (“the spirited one”), grandchildren Alex (Marla) LeVeque, Julianna Moore, and Jonathan Moore; his dogs, Merci and Atlas, Cali the cat, and many grand-pups, grand-kitties, and a grand-turtle. He is also survived by two great grand-pups. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Myrtle (Austin) Moore, his in-laws, Michael and Myrtle (Valis) Pappas, a brother-in-law, Nick Pappas, and many beloved friends and co-workers.
Visitation for John will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2022, from 1-4 p.m. at Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian. A memorial service will be held on Monday, October 10, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.
You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Memorial offerings may be given to the family for future designation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.
