John "Jack" Wharton Moore, 91, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones at his home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Jack was born on August 12,1933, to Graham and Margaret Moore and grew up in Lake Worth, FL. He earned a B.S. in Real Estate and Insurance from Florida State University, where he was also in the Naval Reserve.

While attending FSU, Jack met the love of his life, Catherine Friedheim, during a chance encounter when she offered him a ride while he was walking through campus in the rain. That moment began a lifetime of love and partnership, and they were married for over 67 wonderful years.

Jack was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. He earned his wings as a Naval Aviation Observer then a Naval Flight Officer and primarily flew antisubmarine warfare missions in the P-2 Neptune in Patrol Squadron VP-10 and P-3 Orion in Patrol Squadron VP-21, as well as with Fleet Air Wing Three during two tours of duty in Brunswick, ME.

He was selected as one of the first advanced NFO training instructors in Brunswick, GA. He then served as the combat information center officer aboard the USS Randolph (CVS-15) in Virginia Beach, VA.

In the early 1970s, as the commanding officer of the Kansas City recruiting district, Jack was among the few commanding officers in the nation who successfully met enlistment goals during the challenging transition to an all-volunteer force. He continued his leadership in recruitment as an officer recruiting instructor in Pensacola, FL.

He served his country proudly for 29 years and retired from active duty as a Commander in 1979. After retirement he worked in real estate.

Despite all his professional accomplishments, Jack's top priority was always caring for and providing for his family. He did so through hard work, unwavering support, and by serving as a steady role model who instilled the values of honesty, integrity, and discipline. Jack was an avid golfer and delighted in spending time with his large extended family. His great sense of humor brightened our days, and he never failed to make us laugh.

Jack was a devout Catholic and his faith sustained him throughout his life. For the past 51 years, he was an active parishioner at St. Paul Catholic Church where he attended daily mass and served faithfully as a eucharistic minister and a member of the parish council.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Friedheim Moore; his parents; his brother, Pete Moore; and his grandson, Matthew Colby.

Jack is survived by his six children, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

-Chris Moore of Pensacola, FL

-Ken & Lisa Moore (Daniel) of Cary, NC

-Tom & Jamie Moore (Alex & Jessica Moore, TJ) of Orlando, FL

-Teresa & Greg Torbert (Christopher, Caroline) of Gulf Breeze, FL

-Margie & Craig Colby (Mark & Kimberly Colby (Felix), Johnny, Kaitlin, Ryan) of Houston, TX

-Lynda & Bryant Butler (Conrad, Claudia, Lance, Sylvia) of Richmond, VA

He was a loving uncle to numerous nieces, nephews, and their children. He enters eternity with a beautiful legacy of faith, family, and service.

Our deep appreciation to his caregiver for the past four and a half years, Sherrell Boykins.

A visitation will be held from 11:30 am until the Funeral Mass begins at 12:30 pm on Friday, June 6, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 3131 Hyde Park Road, Pensacola, FL. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors.