Longtime Evans Scholars supporter Moore dies

James E. Moore, who dedicated his career to helping thousands of deserving caddies attend college through the Western Golf Association's Evans Scholars Program, died Tuesday at the age of 73.

During his tenure, Moore helped lead the nonprofit's growth from 600 Scholars in school and 1,000 Alumni to having 870 Scholars in school and 9,990 Alumni. He served the Evans program for 47 years, longer than any WGA employee, in several capacities, including as educational director and senior vice president of foundation advancement.

"Our hearts and thoughts go out to Jim's family and all of those whose lives he so deeply touched in his leadership roles at the Western Golf Association," said WGA chairman Dennis O'Keefe. "Jim was a pillar of our organization and the face of the Evans Scholars Foundation to thousands of young men and women who received the Evans Scholarship over the past five decades. He will be greatly missed."

Moore, a resident of Green Oaks, is survived by his wife, Jermayne nee Fritzen and his children, Jeffrey Moore and Rebecca "Becky" (Thomas) Palmieri, and four grandchildren.

A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday at the United Methodist Church of Libertyville, 429 Brainerd Avenue. The Western Golf Association will have a Celebration of Life memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Evans Scholars Foundation, One Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029 www.wgaesf.org or Placing Paws of Illinois at www.placingpawsrescue.org

Moore was born on March 3, 1941, in Champaign, Ill., and graduated from Fairbury High School. He played college basketball at Illinois State University. His interests included sports, golf and spending time with his grandchildren.