James L. "Leon" Moore Jr.

UTICA - James “Leon” Moore, 41, of Utica N.Y, was called home due to a heart attack on October 5, 2019. Leon was born on November 28, 1977 in Utica N.Y. He is the son of the late James L. Moore Sr. and Francena (Gary) Moore. Leon Graduated from T.R. Proctor High School, class of 1995 where he developed his love of sports and discovered the love for Softball & Baseball. Leon gained friendships that lasted a lifetime. Leon was employed by Budweiser Company for many years. His next endeavor was as an entrepreneur. He opened and successfully operated V.I.P. Auto Detailing at two locations where he employed members of the local community. He was well respected in the community because of his high quality workmanship. Leon also simultaneously worked for the Utica City School District up until the time of his death. Leon was a dedicated, determined, self-motivated, hard-working provider. He was a man to be emulated by many. Leon had a gift for softball that was displayed by his numerous awards, trophies, and recognition. He was recognized in the sports section of the newspaper for being the MVP on the Auburn Bar & Grill team MUNY League for many years. Currently and actively, he was playing on the Miller Lite team and always proudly wearing the number 22. Leon was an asset to his teammates and accidentally hitting home runs also helped. He will be truly missed by his teammates and coaches. Leon was the one that brought everyone together. He loved celebrating with family, and always opened his heart and home extending his brotherly love. Leon loved to travel spending time with his family. He loved family cookouts, birthday parties and more. Leon was known as the Grill Master, famous for making his unique pork chops and BBQ ribs with a twist. Leon also enjoyed customizing his vehicles, from blinged out rims to black tinted windows with the crazy systems in the back, making it his own unique style. Leon was a loving caring man who stepped into the role of a provider and protector for his family after the death of his father. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving mother, Francena Moore whom he adoringly called Frannie. Leon was a loving spouse to his devoted (CL) wife, Niesha Boyd and a caring father to his beloved children, Nyasiah Moore, Nevaeh Moore, Dominick, and his step-son Adrian D. Liggins, Jr., all of Utica, N.Y. He also leaves behind to mourn his sisters, Michelle Moore Billins, Rochelle Moore Nichols, and Stacey Ayers, all of Utica, N.Y. He also leaves six nieces, Danielle, Erica, Dana, Vanessa, Shahniqua, and Fantasia; two nephews, Ternell, and Benjamin; great-nieces, Zariah, Rayana, Myana, Jhada, Seleah, and Skylar; great-nephews, Quadir, Quamir, Kyrie, Ahmar, and Daquan all of Utica, N.Y. Also left to mourn are his aunts, Alena Chisolm, Liberty Mathis, Carrie’Mae McKinon, and Rosalee Gary Bradshaw, all of Camden, South Carolina; his mother-in-law, Sheila Berry, and the entire Boyd family. Leon will be missed by many friends, co-workers, employees, teammates, coaches, childhood friends, and members of the community in which he lived and worked. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 14, 2019 from 10:00 to 12:00 at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah Street, Utica, N.Y. Leon’s Celebration of Life and Home Going will commence at 12:00. He will be laid to rest in New Forest Cemetery.

James L. "Leon" Moore Jr.

November 28, 1977 - October 5, 2019