William James Moore

Dr. William James Moore (“Jim”) born January 7, 1934 in Asheboro, N.C. passed
away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on August 23, 2023 in
Concord, CA. Jim was predeceased by his parents Wallace and Laila Moore and his
brother, Craig Porter Moore. He is survived by his brother Kenneth Lanier Moore and
sister Ruth Worth Fagan. He was the beloved husband of Marla Hoke Moore for over 55
years, the loving father of Philip James Moore (Jessica), and Alison Elizabeth Paik
(Chris). Jim, affectionately known as “Poppy”, was also the very proud grandfather of
Ashlee, Ella, Garrett, Collette and Leyla.
His unwavering curiosity, relentless pursuit of education, and strong work ethic
defined his early path in life. Jim expressed an early interest in electronics. His first
job was at a radio repair shop where he learned fundamental wiring techniques; at the
age of 13 he never stopped questioning the ‘how’s’ and ‘why’s’. After high school, he
spent three years in the Army and was subsequently deployed to the Korean War. He
spent time on the front line where he maintained all phone lines between his front line,
mortar company, and the division. His service afforded him to receive the G.I. Bill which
enabled his post-secondary education.
He subsequently received his B.S. degree in Physics at the University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill in 1959 and his M.S. degree (1961) and Ph.D. (1969) in Physics from the
Catholic University of America. Jim accepted a job at the Naval Research Laboratory
(NRL) with a group of scientists involved in materials research.
During his tenure at NRL Jim researched the infrared properties of semiconductor
materials. His research resulted in identifying materials that were used to make the
most sensitive infrared detectors used by the Navy for night vision and by NASA
satellites measuring the properties of stars and planets. His infrared detectors are
leveraged today in interstellar space and are considered a major contribution to
the scientific community. Jim retired in 2003 after 42 years of civil service.
Jim was always in search of the truth and his keen and strikingly obvious intellect
drove his pursuits. His interest in classical music and jazz was fulfilled by attending
concerts and listening daily to music from his library of recordings. He was a one-eared
audiophile with state-of-the-art equipment. His interest in physics and Einstein’s theory
of relativity led him to hours of intense conversations with friends, provocative
discussions with fellow colleagues, and years of independent study. At home he
understood how to repair and maintain the household as a licensed electrician. He also
enjoyed photography, hiking, and Lake Tahoe.
Jim was authentically and wholeheartedly always present for those in his life. and
was a constant supporter, eternal advocate, participant, and positive force for his
children and all of their passions and pursuits. Jim took the family on countless camping
adventures across the country experiencing bears, tornadoes, and hurricane force
winds. Jim was a dedicated son and brother. Beyond his immediate family, he happily
supported three foreign students in the home and would always serve as a kind and
trusting voice to those around him. He truly embraced and enjoyed each and every day
and we celebrate his role in our lives.
In the latter stages of his life, he demonstrated great courage and never lost his
optimism, sense of humor, familiar laugh, and observational precision. He was
ever present, and his intellect - both intrinsic and indelible.
A family service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 10:00 am. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association.

In lieu of Donations please send a Memory Gift to the Alzheimers Association through the following link

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