James Patrick Moran (Jim), of Charlestown and formerly Lexington MA, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023 with loving family by his side. Jim is survived by partner and beloved buddy Joan Zachor of Lexington, former wife Janet Moran of Lexington, their children Julie Seed (Randall) of Lexington, Judy Cannon (Edward) of Framingham, James Moran Jr. of Charlestown, Sheila Moran (former, Robert) of Stoneham, grandchildren Gillian Seed, Graham Seed, Natalie Seed, Alison Cannon, Sam Cannon, Rory Kraemer, and Audrey Kraemer, as well as Joan's children Nancy Zachor, Andrea Murphy, and Justin Alexander. He is predeceased by grandsons Michael Patrick Kraemer and Baby Boy Seed.

Born January 1, 1938 in Cleveland, OH, Jim was the son of Patrick Moran of Co. Mayo, Ireland, and Eileen (née Elliot) Moran of Cleveland, OH. He is predeceased by brother William Moran of Novi, MI, and sister Maureen Kennedy of Lansing, MI. He is survived by sisters Patricia Shaughnessy of Cleveland, OH, Eileen Tarantino of Jupiter, FL, Kathe Carberry-Romero of Spring Hill, FL, brother John Moran of Brattleboro, VT, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim's father perished in the East Ohio Gas Company fire in Cleveland in 1944. Jim's mother purchased "The Farm" in Punxsutawney PA in 1947 where Jim had many responsibilities and adventures, such as milking his cow and disappearing for days of camping in the woods. His life-long love of nature and animals, as well as vigor for physical labor, was forged during this period. In 1950, his mother lost her life to cancer and he and his siblings moved to St. Joseph's Home for Children ("The Home").

After graduating high school in 1955, Jim applied only to MIT where he went on to earn his PhD in Fluid Mechanics, was the stroke of the Lightweight Crew, and member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He ardently attended the Head of the Charles Regatta and delighted in critiquing crew and coaches during practice on his river throughout his life. Jim joined the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics faculty before working at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Aerodyne Research, and Avco-Everett Research Laboratory (Textron Defense Systems) as Principal Research Scientist. He later attended "Zaftig Social Society" luncheons with former co-workers.

Jim was a problem-solver in every aspect; his children's problem-solving protocol was "Call Dad." He answered his phone every single time. An outdoor enthusiast, he traversed the Lewis and Clark expedition solo by kayak, was a road trip auteur, skier, fixer of all things, and the definition of mensch.

Nothing brought Jim more joy than time with his family including trips to "The Land'' in NH, to Co. Mayo, Ireland, family reunions in Michigan, and dinners at the 99 with his grandkids. Family gatherings were frequent and memorable for his sarcasm, intellect, wit, and warmth and will never be the same without him. So it goes…

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a wake on Monday, June 19th from 4pm to 7pm at the Douglass, Edgerley, & Bessom Funeral Home, Reading MA and funeral Tuesday, June 20th at 11am at St. Brigid's Church, Lexington MA. To view the Mass on line vist www.lexingtoncatholic.org

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society www.givenow.lls.org or Dana Farber Cancer Institute www.dana-farber.org