Chester James Moore departed this life on Friday, March 22, 2024. Jim was born in 1950, a son of Chester and Ola (Collins) Moore. He is survived by Penny, his wife of 29 years, his brother Douglas and his wife Bernice, and numerous members of his extended family. Jim’s passing was preceded by that of his revered parents, many extended family members and several animals for which he cared deeply.

Jim was originally from Laurel, residing briefly in Delmar and Georgetown before returning to the Laurel area in the 1980s. In the mid-1990s, Jim and Penny moved to a property just east of Bridgeville, which became home for them and their many horses, dogs, cats and other critters. Jim was a 1968 graduate of Laurel High School, a 1976 graduate of Salisbury State College and a US Army veteran, awarded a Bronze Star during his military service in the Vietnam War. He was a member of American Legion Post 19 in Laurel and VFW Post 8276 in Delmar.

Jim’s working career was diverse. He performed farm and construction labor, worked at a hatchery, installed marine engines and household appliances, delivered furniture, operated construction equipment, worked as a security guard, served as a dispatcher, worked as an accountant and later as an accounting department manager, and owned and operated a full-service gasoline station. Jim eventually joined Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, where he worked for over 30 years, holding various management positions in natural gas distribution and transmission and in propane distribution. In 2017 Jim retired as Vice President of Delmarva Natural Gas and also Sandpiper Energy, Inc., and after retirement he continued to provide consulting services for the company until fully leaving the workforce at the end of 2019.

Jim enjoyed reading and keeping abreast of current affairs. Jim was a history enthusiast and particularly enjoyed engaging in political discussions. He also enjoyed various forms of music; but traditional country, bluegrass and folk music were his favorites. He seemed to never tire of listening to Don Williams and John Prine. Baseball was his favorite sport and his devotion as a fan of the Baltimore Orioles was unwavering from his earliest memories of the 1960 team up to the present day.

Jim was a past president of the Laurel Men’s Softball League, the Georgetown- Millsboro Rotary Club and the Del-Mar-Va Gas Association. While residing in Delmar in the 1970s, Jim served on the Town Commission, including two years as Mayor. During the 1980s Jim was a member of the Board of Directors of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce. He held various officer positions with American Legion Post 19 including Post Commander and also President of the Board of Governors. He was awarded Post Legionnaire of the Year in 2009.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 13th, 2024 from 11am-12pm at the Hannigan, Short, Dishroon Funeral Home, 700 West Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956. A celebration of life will follow at 12pm. Reverend Dean Perdue will officiate. Jim chose cremation over burial, and at his request, his ashes will be spread privately at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brandywine Valley SPCA 22918 Dupont Blvd, Georgetown, DE 19947 or Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel, Delaware.