James Moran

James Allen Moran, 63, of Platte City, MO passed away, March 2, 2025.

James was a 1979 graduate of the Platte County RIII High School. Upon graduation, he was an instrument man on a field survey crew making maps for the Federal Government.

Later in 1979, he joined the United States Navy and served as a Pacific Sailor and Navy Airman aboard the USS Juneau LPD-10 earning three decorations. The Navy’s Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon for lengths of time at sea (three years total), and lastly (the one he was most proud of), the Navy’s Humanitarian Service Medal for his part in rescuing refugees off the coast of Vietnam.

James served three years Active Duty and three years Active Reserve with the United States Navy.

He returned home to Platte County, MO in 1982 and began work as a covert narcotics investigator for the former Regional Director of the FBI, Mr. Clarence M. Kelly and later was hired by Platte County Sheriff Tom Thomas and there he served the Platte County Sheriff’s Department and community for many years starting as a Deputy Jailer and then Road Patrol. Later he joined the Platte City Police Department.

James was a huge advocate and activist for free speech, individual rights, freedoms and liberties no matter how popular or unpopular the individual’s or group’s world views were. During the eleven months active in this pursuit, he worked closely from time to time with the Regional Director of the FBI and Executive Director of the ACLU in Kansas City, MO., Mr. Dick Kurtenbach and in Federal Court, they made case law history for Freedom of Speech for everyone.

In the 1990s, James taught himself computers and began a career as a computer technician and technical teacher for a fortune 500 Computer Company.

Also in 1998, the Lord blessed him with a beautiful, loving daughter Cody Louise Moran that he raised as a single parent. He loved tremendously until the day he died.

Post 9/11, James, set aside Computer Tech work to become a Sargent-of-the-Guard, working for the U.S. Army guarding the front gate entrances at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.

Later, he would combine the two professions as an Information Management Officer (IMO) and Information Management Security (IMS) for the Department of Defense and the United States Army.

After a total of forty-five years of service, James decided to retire to enjoy what was left of his life. He retired from the DoD/Army in May of 2024 because of poor health.

James is an Independent Fundamental Baptist and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Platte City, MO.

James was proceeded in death by his Grandparents William and Geneva “Jimmy” Nelsen and Ruth and Gene Moran. His parents Allen Dale Moran and Connie M. Nelsen and twin brothers.

James is survived by his Daughter Cody Louise Moran, two Nieces, Ann Marie (Paul), Krista Gene (Chris). And an older brother William Gene Moran (Deborah).

No services will be held.

And as Jim would have said; “Don’t forget to have fun!”