James “Jim” David Moody, Sr., of Cordova, Tennessee, died at 8:04 AM on September 26, 2018, at the age of 84. He was born to Maggie and Alford Moody in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on December 27, 1933. He graduated from Columbus High School in Columbus, Kansas and attended Oklahoma Christian University.
Jim entered the United States Navy in February of 1955. He graduated from the Naval Air Cadet program, received his wings, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. By 1965, Jim had qualified in every jet fighter operated by the Marine Corps.
He was promoted to First Lieutenant, Captain and then, Major. He was stationed in Japan for 16 months in 1957 and 1958. Jim served in the Vietnam War, where he flew 77 missions in the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron – 314 (nickname “Black Knights”).
Jim held many positions while in the Marines, from flight leader and test pilot, to director of Training for the Marine Air Reserves of the Northwest United States, and Director and Principal Instructor of Continuing Officers Professional Education. Jim continued his education and received his B.S in History Education with a Minor in Chemistry from Kansas State College of Pittsburg in 1968 and a M.S. in History in 1972. In 1974, he retired from the Marine Corps and began flying for Federal Express.
He flew for Federal Express for 28 years. Jim was an active member of the Church of Christ for his entire life. In addition to his great love for flying, Jim enjoyed archery, construction, history and teaching Bible classes.
He also had a lifelong affection for dogs, as they did for him. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Moody; daughter, Karla McQuade and son-in-law, Shawn McQuade of Gainesville, Georgia; son, David Moody of Houston, Texas; step-son, Tim Gard and daughter-in-law, Lisa Gard of Newberg, Oregon; step-daughter, Dolores Justus and son-in-law, Jay Justus of Hot Springs, Arkansas; step-daughter, Julie Schnuelle and son-in-law, Archie Schnuelle of Auburn, Alabama; grandchildren, Jacqueline Corrigan, Cassandra Bryan, Amanda Korzep, Joel Korzep, Bronson Korzep, Jared Justus, Will Justus, Michael Waldrop, Natalie Waldrop, Audrey Gard, Grant Gard, Maggie Gard and Alanis Cummings; great-grandchildren, Lorelai Corrigan, Josh Corrigan and Wade Bryan; sister, Marsha Gurr of Clermont, Florida; and brother, Don Moody of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maggie May (Watson) and Alford H. Moody; his first wife, Adeline Moody; son, Hal Moody; and daughter, Johanna Moody.
Jim was a tremendous Christian and patriot. He was a man of integrity, courage and humility. He would relate harrowing tales in a matter of fact manner.
He routinely put the needs of others before his own. He was exemplary in every way. Jim will have a military funeral on October 5, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72120.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org. get-involved-now/donate. Guest registry is at www.
davis-smith.com.
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