James Taft Callus Moore Jr.

James affectionately known as “Taft”, was born on July 19, 1922 in Burke County to the late Mr. James Callus Moore, Sr. and Bertha Carter-Moore.

Family and Church played a large role in the life of Taft. During his early years, he attended Olive Hill High School. After graduation, Taft moved to Tuskegee, AL to attend Tuskegee Institute. While at Tuskegee, World War II erupted and he decided to enlist in the United States Army Air Corp. After returning from military duty, he worked for the War Assess Administration Office in Baltimore, MD. After five years as supervisor, he returned to North Carolina and enrolled in Johnson C. Smith University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree.

Later, Taft married Betty Foster of Lenoir and began working at Inmont Corporation (later B.A.S.F.) of Morganton. They raised four children; JoAnne, James, Debra and Bill. Taft retired from B.A.S.F. after 30 years of service as a supervisor.

Taft has been connected to Burke County all his life. While a lifelong member of Slades Chapel AME Zion Church, Taft served as Father of the church and was a Deacon. He was also a member of the Trustee Board and served as the Pastor’s Steward. While a Pastor’s Steward, Taft and his dearly departed friend Carl Evans, spearheaded a $100,000 church improvement campaign at Slades Chapel. He continued to work as a liaisons representative between contractors, architects, and the church. He enjoyed being a part of the annual golf tournaments sponsored by the church, and was a former member of the American Legion Post 322. He served as a commissioner for the Morganton Housing Authority and held second vice-chair in the Burke Democratic Party. His love for family, church and the community will be missed.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved sisters; Margaret Moore, Mary Alice Moore, Helen Virginia Carter Jackson, and Willette Caldwell; also a loving granddaughter, Christina Nicole Moore.

Taft is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mrs. Betty Moore of the home; two sons, James C. Moore III (Patricia) of Greenville, SC and William “Bill” Moore (Cathy) of Concord, NC; two daughters, JoAnn Moore and Debra Moore-Watkins, both of Greensboro, NC; and five grandchildren, Catherine Moore, Elizabeth Moore, Dakota Watkins, James Moore IV and Deante Moore. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.