Jimmy Leon Moore

Jim L. Moore, age 76, died Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at his home in Thomaston, Georgia.

Jim graduated from R. E. Lee Institute in 1968 where he was an outstanding player on the Rebels' basketball team. He earned a basketball scholarship to Gordon College. After graduating from Gordon College, Jim served with distinction in the U.S. Navy. Later he completed his studies at Georgia Southwestern College ultimately earning a Master of Education (M. Ed.) degree with a focus in mathematics.

Jim loved teaching and mathematics and used his talents to help students throughout his career in the Pike County and Thomaston-Upson School Systems, at Flint River Technical College/Southern Crescent College and Gordon State College.

During his retirement, Jim particularly enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandchildren, gardening, landscaping, going to the beach with his family and creating woodworking projects with his best friend and neighbor, Mark.

He is preceded in death by his parents Dorothy Lingold Toole and Leon Moore, two brothers Wayne Moore and Lewis Moore and sister-in-law Elaine McLaughlin Bonds and her husband Neal Bonds.

Jim is survived by his wife Deborah (Debbie) McLaughlin Moore, daughter and son-in-law Lauren M. and Blake Simmons, stepson and daughter-in-law James Benjamin and Megan Thrasher, and five grandchildren Kinsey Thrasher, James Thrasher, Lillian Thrasher, Preston Thrasher, and Jackson Simmons. 

He is also survived by sister-in-law Jamie McLaughlin Oglesbee and her husband Randy Oglesbee, several nieces and nephews, and a very special circle of friends.

A private celebration of Jim's life will be held at a later date.