James Manley Moss  

James Manley Moss, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many, passed away peacefully at Miller's Merry Manor on May 28, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 6, 1924.

Jim was preceded in death by Betty, his wife of 56 years. He is survived by daughters Rebecca (Tom) Brovont, Deborah (Curtin) Kelley, Barbara Porter, and Elizabeth (Dennis) Gilley. Jim is also survived by his 10 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 3 great granddaughters.

Jim had many interests and honors in his 87 years. He earned his Eagle Scout badge from the Boy Scouts of America and then went on to be a rower for the Culver Military Academy Eagles, graduating from CMA in 1942, beginning his lifelong love of Culver and Lake Maxinkuckee. He matriculated to Purdue University where he studied Mechanical Engineering, graduating with high honors before entering Officer Candidate School at the University of Notre Dame. Upon completion of his training, he was commissioned as a Lt. JG in the US Navy where he served aboard a destroyer tender during WWII.

After the war, Jim worked in the field of "plastics" in St. Joseph, Michigan while raising his family, earning an MBA from Michigan State University, and serving as an Elder of the Presbyterian Church.

Jim's career took him to General Motors in Flint, Michigan where he helped develop injection molding for Cadillacs and Corvettes, among other duties. When it was time to retire, Jim brought Betty back to his beloved Lake Maxinkuckee.

Over the last 30 years residing in Culver , Jim was a faithful volunteer. He co-founded the Culver Town Economic Development Committee, began the Culver (Academy) Club of Culver , served as a Director of the Culver Legion Board, was an active member of the Maxinkuckee Yacht Club Race committee, served on the board for MYC, and was named as an Honorary Commodore. Jim was also active in the Lake Maxinkuckee Environmental Association. One of Jim's lifelong loves was music: playing clarinet, saxophone, and piano, and singing in his church's choir wherever he lived. In addition to his service to the lake and surrounding communities, he loved to perform in Maxinkuckee Players productions every summer.

While living the last 5 years at Wynnfield Crossing Senior Community Center in Rochester, Indiana, Jim enthusiastically participated in all activities and made many dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 5 - 7 pm Friday, June 10 at the Odom Funeral Home in Culver . A Memorial service will be held at the Culver Academy Memorial Chapel at 11am on Saturday, June 11.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the James Manley Moss Memorial Fund at Culver Educational Foundation.