James Joseph Moculski

Jim was born on June 9, 1947, in Kingston, New York, where some of his earliest memories and lifelong loves began.

Jim had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He loved being on the river in his boat, spending time in the woods, and hunting—a passion he continued until just a few years before his passing. He especially enjoyed trips to his friend Ron’s hunting lodge, where time spent with the guys, including his brother-in-law George Peterson, became treasured memories.

As a young man, Jim loved to water ski, although his parents may have remembered those adventures for another reason: more than once, he had to break the news that yet another pair of glasses had disappeared into the water.

Jim and his older sister, Janice Peterson, also had the unique experience of spending time on the 4 J Horse Ranch, where their parents hosted horse shows and rodeos.

As Jim grew older, he and two friends enlisted in the United States Air Force and headed to California for basic training. Much to their surprise, the three friends soon found themselves sent in different directions as their military journeys began.

Following his military service, Jim settled in Virginia and built a varied and accomplished working life. He worked for the General Services Administration (GSA) and was, for a time, a member of the Teamsters Union. He later partnered with Rick Koski in a tree-removal business before turning his talents toward carpentry.

Jim was a gifted carpenter and took great pride in working with his hands. During evenings and weekends, he built the garage and sunroom addition to his Fairfax home himself. During the week, he worked at Virginia Hospital Center, where he served as head of the Maintenance Department.

Jim also had a great sense of adventure. His travels took him internationally and throughout the United States. He especially loved ski trips to Park City, Utah; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Banff, British Columbia. Some of his most memorable adventures included horseback wilderness trips through Wyoming and Montana and white-water rafting on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

Jim is survived by his wife, Susan; his sisters, Janice Peterson, Joanne Miles and husband, Steven Miles, and Jeanne Christy and husband, James Christy; stepson Richard Gatt and wife Kathleen Michelle; Stepdaughter Grace Schoonmaker and husband Mark, as well as step-grandchildren, several nieces and a nephew.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and condolences during this difficult time.

Family and friends are invited to join in remembering and celebrating Jim—a loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend to many—at a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday afternoon, September 12, at his home in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association or Samaritan’s Purse in Jim’s honor.