James Eugene Mora Jr.

“ A Life Lived to the Fullest”

James Eugene Mora Jr. “Jj”, unexpectedly passed away September 15, 2016, at the age of twenty-one early Thursday morning in a single car accident on his way to work on the 91 freeway and Santa Fe St. in the city Compton, CA.

James E. Mora Jr. “JJ” was born on January 26, 1995, in Fountain Valley, California, the only son of James and Christine Mora. Weighing six pounds ten and half and ounces, and nineteen and a half inches; with little rosy cheeks and soft brown hair, Jj was seemly perfect. As the first grandchild he was showered with love and gifts a plenty. As a baby, Jj hardly ever cried and didn’t need much to keep himself content but the cardboard box that toys came in. His goofy and light hearted personality would be a trait that he carried into his later years as a young man. Two and a half years later his sister Caytlin Marie Mora was born and the two were inseparable. Jj always took it upon himself even as a toddler to make sure his sister was always okay. The two kept their parents on their toes for years to come.

He attended Twinhill Elementary School where he met his life long friends, his best friend Alex Castanon, that followed him through Loma Vista Middle School, and graduated from Norte Vista High School class of 2013 in Riverside, CA. Jj’s love for boating and riding started at a young age, in which he shared many trips to the desert and the lake with family and friends, always having a smile from ear to ear. Jj’s passion to become a firefighter began when he watched the movie Backdraft. It then began in his heart and in the blood running through his veins he knew his purpose in life was to help others. As soon as he could enroll, he joined Riverside Fire Explorers Post 101 at fourteen. There he learn the values of leadership, strong positive work ethic, and built his character as a young man. He excelled in all aspects of the program and eventually became a training officer and modeled for upcoming fire explorers. Jj devoted five years to the fire explorer program, and once the time came for him to proceed to the next step he enrolled into West Coast EMT where he spent three months learning alongside former fire explorer brothers. He graduated and obtained his certificate, an achievement which many were proud of. Many of us face obstacles in our lives and we make decisions based on who is in our life, and where we are at that moment. Jj juggled working at the local grocery store, family, friends, and even a special girl in his life. He always went above and beyond not only for the people in his everyday life but even strangers. Like every son would want to do, Jj wanted to show his father that he could become a man and provide for a woman in his life. He joined the Boilermakers Local 92 brotherhood and fourth generation of the Mora family in the trade. There was no stopping him. “ The reward for a work well done is the opportunity to do more.” - Jonas Salk. Jj quickly became known by many in the Boilermakers community by his own skills and actions which reflected positively on him. He worked diligently and devoted countless hours to his trade and this coming November was looking forward to being indentured as an apprentice. As a young man and only twenty-one years old he had goals and dreams that he was pursuing and achieving them, one being buying his first home. His love for Abriana started at thirteen years old and only grew from there as they became young adults building their future together. Jj lived a full life for the time he was on this Earth, he experienced life as it came and made the best of every situation. A selfless being who gave many a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, and blessed everyone with his radiant smile. He created many wonderful memories with family and friends to cherish in remembrance of him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each one of us has cause to think deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

Jj was welcomed with open arms in Heaven by his great grandparents Frank and Lela Mora, his cousin Marcous Gleason, cousin Ryan Hansen, and great uncle Dave Gleason.

Jj is survived by his mother Christine Mora, father James Mora, sister Caytlin Mora, sweetheart Abriana Negrete, grandparents Tom and Nancy Mora, Christine and Angel Martinez, uncle Tom and Toni Mora, little cousin Caroline, uncle Kenny Amagrande and his son Anthony Hawkey, uncle Dave and aunt Kerry Amagrande and cousins Andrew, Kayla, and Jonny.

Pallbearers will be Alex Castanon, Samuel Uriarte, Kevin Giron, Ian Sudduth, Michael Martin, Andrew Chavez, Spencer Tait, and Kyle Herch.

The funeral services will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016, from 4:00pm-8:00pm for visitation, and the service on Saturday, October 1, 2016, at 10:00am at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary 11500 Arlington Ave. Riverside, CA 92505. Chaplain Steve Ballinger and Chaplain Alan Meyer will be officiating. After service gathering will shortly follow at the Mora residence, 6362 Catspaw Dr. Riverside, CA 92505.

The family of James E. Mora Jr, wishes to extend there sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone. Special thanks to Jeff Lewis and Riverside Fire Department.