James "Jim" Moats

James “Jim” Moats passed away on October 20, 2026, at the age of 94, with his daughter, Sarah, and son, Steve, at his side. His life was marked by service to his country, devotion to family, a long career in business, and involvement in his community.

Jim was born on June 4, 1932, in Sherwood, Ohio, and was the fourth child of Bert and Clara Moats. After graduating from Sherwood-Delaware High School in 1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force on April 10, 1951. He trained at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois. In December 1951, he was transferred to England, where he served for three years at Fairford in the Strategic Air Command. His military service also took him to Casablanca, French Morocco, and Thule Air Force Base in Greenland.

Following his discharge in 1955, Jim attended Defiance College in Ohio, earning a degree in business administration in 1959. On August 9 of that year, he married Barbara “Barb” Acus of Bryan (Pulaski), Ohio, at Sherwood Methodist Church. They lived in Bryan, Lexington, Louisville, and Knoxville before settling in Chesterfield in the St. Louis area in 1978. Barb preceded him in death in 2016.

Jim began his career with Landmark Petroleum Company, then spent 25 years with Champion Spark Plug Company. He later owned a manufacturer’s representative agency, taking particular pride in representing Sea Foam. Barb worked in education and later as an office manager for a construction company.

A proud Master Mason, Jim was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner of the Moolah Temple in St. Louis. He enjoyed participating in the Moolah Shrine Antique Car Unit, driving his red-and-white 1955 Ford Crown Victoria.

Jim was the father of Sarah (Denny) Schoemehl and Steven “Steve” (Mindy) Moats. His four grandchildren are Jessica (Nick) Smyth, Katherine “Katie” Jacoby, Andrew “Andy” Moats, and Corey (Rilee Geringer) Moats. His two great-grandchildren, Jack Smyth and Oliver Smyth.

Jim will be remembered for his dedication to those he loved, his service, his strong work ethic, and the many stories and memories he shared across generations. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Services: A celebration of life honoring Jim will take place at the FAMILY CENTER at SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Missouri, on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Interment will be private in Sherwood, Ohio. If desired, contributions may be made to Folds of Honor or Shriners Children's - St. Louis. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.