James Timothy "Tim" Moore, Sr.

James Timothy “Tim” Moore Sr., 74, former Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and a legendary figure and icon in the Florida law enforcement community, passed away on November 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 20, 1950, in Hartford, Alabama, Tim was the son of the late James and Lucille Moore.

In addition to his parents, Tim was preceded in death by his beloved son James Tyler Moore and his sister Dianne Owen.

Tim is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Ann; his devoted son, James Timothy “Tim” Moore Jr., daughter-in-law, Ashley, and their three daughters—Madeline Tyler, MaryClaire Elizabeth, and Molly Katherine—all of Tallahassee. He is also survived by his stepmother, Helen Harris Moore; brother-in-law, Jempsey Owen; niece, Jamie Edwards and her husband, Cody; and nephew, Todd Christopher Owen and his wife, Jassiel, all of Bonifay, Florida; his sister-in-law Paulette Stogner and her husband, Shelton; brother-in-law, Bill Pigott, and his wife, Doris, all of Tylertown, Mississippi; his niece, Paula Morris and her husband, William, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; his niece, Susan Pigott of Petal Mississippi; his nephew, Paul Pigott, and wife, Jessica, of Sioux Falls North Dakota. And a host of much-loved cousins.

For all his professional accomplishments, Tim’s heart was firmly rooted in his family. His wife, Mary Ann, was the center of his world. He was a devoted and deeply loving father to his sons, Tim Jr. and Tyler. The pride he felt for Tim Jr.’s achievements could fill volumes, and the loss of Tyler in 2011 marked him forever in ways he rarely spoke about but always carried with quiet, unmistakable strength. Those who knew Tim saw how completely he poured himself into the people he loved: the gentle way he listened, the steadiness he offered in moments of crisis, the humor he used to ease hard days, and the fierce loyalty that made his family feel cherished and protected. Even in his busiest years, his family remained his truest calling and greatest joy. The family is grateful to be blessed with cherished memories of Tim as a husband, father, and grandfather that will be etched in their hearts and minds forever.

Tim spent his life making Florida a safer, better place—quietly, relentlessly, and with the full weight of his integrity behind every decision. His legacy endures in the people he protected, the colleagues he shaped, and the countless Floridians whose lives were made safer because he chose a life of service.

Tim dedicated more than 30 years of distinguished service to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). In his early years with FDLE, Tim worked in the mailroom and coded fingerprints on the graveyard shift while in college. His colleagues would often quip about his dress code of suits and ties while in these positions. Good-naturedly, Tim would say, “Dress for the position you want.” Eventually, Tim’s determination—aided by generous doses of good fortune—resulted in him being appointed as the Commissioner. From 1988 to 2003, he served as the longest-tenured Commissioner in the agency’s history, appointed by and serving under three Florida Governors and many Florida Cabinet Members.

Throughout his nearly 16 years as Commissioner, he guided FDLE through statewide crime challenges, major criminal justice advancements, and significant organizational growth. Under his leadership, FDLE’s budget and workforce more than doubled, and the agency expanded facilities statewide, including a new Tallahassee headquarters and multiple Regional Operations Centers and Crime Laboratories.

The core values he championed—Service, Integrity, Respect, and Quality—remain central to the agency today.

Tim’s leadership extended beyond the Department to state and national levels. Following the events of September 11, 2001, he was selected by Governor Jeb Bush to lead Florida’s Domestic Security efforts. Nationally, he served on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Advisory Council and was appointed by President George W. Bush to the President’s Homeland Security Advisory Commission. Additionally, he was a member of the National Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, served more than 12 years on the Executive Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and was actively involved with the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, and other professional organizations. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Tim was inducted into the Florida Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2017.

During his time with FDLE, Tim never sought the limelight, yet his work often put him directly in the public eye. He approached every high-profile case and public safety challenge with humility and steadiness, always guided by his belief that the responsibility of power was to serve, not to perform. What was less visible, but just as defining, was the work Tim did out of public view. Behind the scenes, he was equally committed to protecting the most vulnerable Floridians. He spent countless hours strengthening the systems that keep people safe.

In describing Tim’s tenure with FDLE, Former Governor Jeb Bush stated that Tim “led with purpose, humility, and an unshakable moral compass. His legacy is felt in every corner of Florida’s criminal justice and public safety systems, and in the countless lives made safer by his vision and leadership,” and “Florida is a stronger, safer place because of his life’s work, and his impact will endure for generations.”

After retiring from FDLE in 2003, Tim entered the private sector with the same steadiness and judgment that defined his public career. Tim became an equity partner with The Southern Group, representing numerous business and government entities before the Executive and Legislative branches in Florida and other states on some of their most complex public-safety issues. Tim was also an owner and partner in two General Motors dealerships in Tallahassee, helping those businesses grow with Larry Strom and Tim Revell before their successful sale to the Hendrick Automotive Group. Most recently, Tim served as Senior Partner of The Integrity Group, where he was actively involved in the company’s service divisions, including disaster recovery consulting and corporate and governmental compliance. Through every chapter, he remained a calm, principled presence and a trusted mentor to younger colleagues.

Above all, Tim’s colleagues remember him as a man who carried himself without pretense. His moral compass did not waver. His word was his bond. He was steady in a world that rewards noise and steadfastly principled in a political environment that causes lesser people to compromise beliefs. Those who worked with him knew that when Tim spoke, they were hearing the plain truth delivered simply, honestly, and often with dry, unexpected humor that revealed his generous spirit and quick wit.

During his retirement, Tim enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time at the beach with his precious granddaughters, and hunting with his son. He devoted his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a member of Bradfordville First Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon.

Tim Moore lived a life of purpose, service, and unwavering faith. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and “Big Dad” whose leadership and character left an enduring mark on law enforcement in Florida and on the countless lives he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at Bradfordville First Baptist Church on December 10th at 1PM, with Pastor Ronny Raines officiating. Visitation is prior to the service from 11 AM to 1 PM on December 10th. Following services there will be a committal service at Culley’s MeadowWood Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road Tallahassee, Fl. 32312