James Wallace “Jim” Moore, Jr., 80, of Plain City, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was owner and operator of Jim’s Diner with his wife, Janet, in Plain City. A former Plain City councilman, he was known to his loyal customers and good friends as “one of a kind.”During the past six months, he fiercely fought a tough illness and maintained a determined will to survive. He was a wealth of knowledge about his community and its inhabitants, all the while serving up a good ol’ fashioned home cooking for years. He was known as a great cook, but an even better baker. Before establishing Jim’s Diner, which originated as Jim’s Donut Shop in 1980, he operated Jim Moore Sales and Service appliance store at the same location. He also was a former associate of Ranco.
A 1958 graduate of Rushsylvania High School, Jim was as big NASCAR fan and rode in Jeff Gordon’s car at the Daytona Racetrack. He enjoyed playing euchre, shopping and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandkids. He will be respectfully remembered for his hospitality, kindnesses and good conversation.
He was born March 29, 1940, in Hardin County to the late James Wallace and Margaret Lee Moore, Sr. He was also preceded in death by a son, Paul Moore; and his brothers, Steve Moore, Rick Moore and Tom Moore.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janet L. LeVan Moore, whom he married Oct. 24, 1959, in Mt. Victory; two daughters, Kim (Charlie) Wiese of Plain City, Tina Perritt of St. Joseph, Missouri; his son, Jeffrey C. Moore of Plain City; his grandchildren, Matt (Katie) Murphy, Kristin Wiese and Jamie (Robert Smith) Wiese; his great-grandchildren, Elaina, Sebastian, Darian and Layla; his brother, Jerry (Peggie) Moore of Lakeland, Florida; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Moore of Florida; his nieces, Jodi, Teresa, Tammy, Tiffany and Tabitha; and many other relatives and good friends and customers.
The family will receive friends 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, at Underwood Funeral Home, where a funeral procession will form at 1 p.m. and proceed past Jim’s Diner to Forest Grove Cemetery in Plain City for a 1:45 p.m. graveside service.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.