James W. Moran

TEMPLETON - James W. "Buggs" Moran, 61, of 6 Cedar Drive, Baldwinville, formerly of Ashburnham and Gardner, died unexpectedly Wednesday, January 7th, at his residence. He was born in Worcester on February 23,1947, the son of the late James Earl and Marjorie Moran and grew up in Grafton, graduating from Grafton High School. He attended UCONN for three years and later graduated from Worcester State College after the completion of his military service. He lived in Baldwinville for three years after previously living in Ashburnham and Gardner. Jim was a financial advisor for Investors Capital Corporation. While living in Ashburnham, Jim was active with the Ashburnham Little League as a coach and Past President. He was a former Selectman for the Town of Ashburnham and former member of the town's Advisory Committee. Jim was an active member of the Polish American Citizens Club in Gardner and had served in the offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Head of its Board of Directors. Jim was also an active member with Ovila Case Post 905 VFW and was its present Quartermaster. He gave speeches at Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances. Jim also was a substitute teacher at the Narragansett Regional Middle School. He was a Past President of the Leominster Rotary Club. Jim had just completed his second year as a football official and was on the Fitchburg Board, Northeast Conference Mass. Conference of Football Officials. He enjoyed building model airplanes and helicopters. He also enjoyed golfing and striper fishing. He was active in raising money for college scholarships for graduating high school seniors. His number one enjoyment came from spending time with his family. Jim proudly served in the Army during the Vietnam War as a helicopter pilot and flew Cobra missions . He was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, one awarded for Valor, 2 o/s stars. He was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. He leaves his wife of four years, Denise J. (Marcoux) Larson-Moran; one son, Matthew D. Moran and his fiancee Megan MacMahon of Hoboken, NJ; three stepchildren, Edward P. Larson of East Templeton, Lori A. Guthrie and her husband Jody of Baldwinville and Lisa M. Larson and her boyfriend Ryan Daigle of Gardner; four brothers, Ken Moran, Wayne Moran, Gerry Moran and Stephen Moran and two step grandchildren, Sadie and Madelyn Guthrie. A sister, Cindy Moran, predeceased him. Military funeral services will be held Monday, January 12th at 1 P.M. in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon. Calling hours will be held Sunday, January 11th from 6 to 8 P.M. in the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the PACC Scholarship Fund, 171 Kendall Pond West, Gardner, MA. 01440. www.snow-ladeau.com