Obituary of James F. Moriarty

James Francis Moriarty, Jr., 87, died peacefully and prayerfully on May 22, 2023, with his wife, family and Reverend Joseph Tito by his side. Jim was the husband of Carol Ann (Kress) and a beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Jim was born in White Plains, NY on February 04, 1936. He is the son of Elizabeth (Hummel) and James Francis Moriarty, Sr. An only child, he was proud to be a part of the Matt “Moriarty Brothers” family. A scholar/athlete graduate from College of the Holy Cross, he then attended Central Connecticut State College for his teaching certification. It was there that he met Carol.

Always true to his commitments, Jim married the Love of his Life on August 20, 1960, at Saint Mark’s Church in West Hartford and then promptly brought her to Colt’s Park so she could watch him play in his team’s playoff baseball game on their wedding night.

Jim always strived to raise the bar. A history teacher at Illing Junior High School in Manchester for more than 30 years, he was respected by all and feared by some. Jim had the ability to coax his students to “dress up” when that was not the norm – and we are talking 1970’s!!! Those who read this and know Mr. Moriarty are aware of what “ties and skirts” meant when it was quiz day.

He coached the Manchester High School Basketball Team for decades. We doubt there is another coach in Connecticut – or maybe anywhere – that had their toenails surgically removed because they kicked the lockers so many times while trying to encourage his players…. His basketball players reading this will have a good laugh…. And remember that he walked around after that “operation” for months with sneakers that had cut-out toes.

Jim’s passion was his love of Golf. He was a proud member of Manchester Country Club as well as a Past President. He won his share of Tournaments and experienced the elusive Hole in One. He told his grandson 20 years ago – “If I had only one week to live, I guess I would play a lot of golf”. And “Yes, I believe that the afterlife for me is a 36-hole golf course with the best greens in the world”.

Aside from his Love for 62 years of marriage, Jim is survived by his son, James Michael Moriarty and his daughter, Jamie (Moriarty) Moore, as well as his son-in-law Brian. He is blessed with granddaughter Brittany and her husband Brian (Dawson) and their three sons: Everett, Levi and Abram. Jim is further blessed with grandson Connor, his wife Stephanie and their son Waylon, as well as another child to soon come.

Calling hour will be held from 9:00-10:00 am on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023, at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 am at St. James Church, 896 Main Street, Manchester. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.

In Lieu of Flowers or Donations: DO SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE – OR DON’T LOVE - AND THINK OF JIM.

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