James Franklin 'Jim' Moss, 71

MORGNEC, Md. - James Franklin "Jim" Moss of Morgnec died Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007, in Wilmington Hospital. He was 71.

Jim was born Feb. 2, 1935, in Chillicothe, Ohio, son of the late Henry Sr. and Virginia (Davis) Moss.

He attended schools in Valley Stream, N.Y., and Belvedere, Del., and attended Howard High School, Wilmington, Del.

Jim spent most of his early youth and early adulthood in the Belvedere community, where he met his future wife, Elease, in 1951. He relocated to her hometown in Morgnec, and they were united in marriage in 1953.

During his early years in Maryland, Jim worked in agriculture and building construction. In the late 1960s, he and Elease were employed by Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Dupont Jr. of Greenville in "private family." He later joined Local 199 and became employed by the Ernest DiSabatino & Sons Co. His work ethics were readily recognized with increasing responsibilities, leading to Foreman of Cement Finishers and major contracts. His legacies include Heron Point Retirement Complex, Chestertown; Christiana Hospital, Wilmington; University of Delaware, Newark; General Motors, Belvedere; Delaware State University, Dover; and the Christiana Mall. He was selected as the "Skilled Laborer" for the EDIS poster featured in the February 1995 Delaware State Chamber of Commerce annual report. He retired with 41 years of service. Jim was always energetic and found full-time retirement was not for him, so he continued his affiliation with the DiSabatinos' estate on a part-time basis.

Jim loved country living. He took pride in his vegetable gardens and enjoyed raising poultry, hunting and fishing. He and Elease enjoyed tending to their flower gardens, and feeding and watching their wild birds. He raved about Elease's cooking to everyone he knew. He also loved supporting the local churches and was trustee at his home church, Joshua Chapel. He was a major fundraiser for the annual programs.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry Jr. and George; and two sisters, Neva Allen Downes and Ester Slater.

Cherishing his memory is his beloved wife, Elease of Morgnec; a daughter, Yvonne Dashiell of Charlotte, N.C.; a grandson, James "Jay" Adams of Charlotte; a stepson, Enos Brooks of Colemans; two sisters, Mary Edwards of Delaware and Thelma Moss of Massachusetts; two brothers, Clyde Moss and Robert Simmons Jr., both of Delaware; and an aunt, Ester Collins.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Rock of Ages Baptist Church, Belvedere, where friends may call from 9:00 a.m.

Friends may call from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday in Mount Pleasant Church, Pondtown.

Burial will be in Joshua Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery, Morgnec.

Arrangements by Kenneth Walley Funeral Service, Chestertown.