Dr. James Emanuel Moak

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalms 23:6

James Emanuel Moak of Starkville, Mississippi went to his heavenly home on April 28, 2016 at the age of 99 ½. He was born on October 26, 1916 in Norfield, MS. He was reunited with his precious Eleanor, who loved him dearly for 71 years of devoted marriage. She was his “Sunshine.”

His children, Jimmy Moak (Amy), Laura Moak Aiken (Marc), and Nancy Moak Fultz (Andy) all rejoice that he was their father. To his grandchildren, Susan Moak Stringer (Kevin), Alan Aiken (Chelsea), Molly Moak Roberts (Logan), Emily Aiken Anderson (Brett), and Drew Fultz he was lovingly known as “Pop.” They cherished his entertaining stories, hilarious jokes, and big bear hugs. Julia Stringer, James Stringer, and Nellie Rae Anderson will remember their great-grandfather as a legend when they learn of his amazing love for them and his influence in their lives through his daily thoughts and prayers.

He is preceded in death by his parents Levi and Courtney Moak, sisters Laura Kyzar, Gladys Owens, Eddis Johnson, Quida Thompson, Tera Krout, Esther Lee Jackson; and brothers Leon Moak, Lonnie Moak, Emmett Moak, and Louie Moak. The reunion has begun.

As a young adult he had several life goals: to marry a wonderful Christian woman, raise a family, learn to fly airplanes, and obtain an education. The Lord gave him the desires of his heart. He proceeded toward those goals as a disciplined Christ follower and servant.

James met Eleanor Moulder in 1938 in Forest, MS while working as a Forest Ranger in the Bienville National Forest. Their forever love story began and they were married on July 2, 1943. Eleanor was his rock, his joy, and his beloved “Proverbs 31” wife. They lived an epically long and blessed life as husband and wife.

His dream of flying began at his first sight of an airplane. That dream was realized in June of 1943 when he was awarded his Silver Wings and rose to First Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps. After a period of intensive training in transport flying with the Chicago and Southern Airlines special school for Air Force pilots, he was assigned to ferry duty. Within a 2 year period, he flew 18 different types of U.S. and Allied aircraft. He continued to serve as a fighter pilot in the National Guard Fighter Squadron.

His path to higher education began as a graduate of Enterprise High School near Bogue Chitto, MS. The journey was interrupted by WWII. Following his military service, he began as a freshman at 35 years of age at Mississippi State University.
He transferred to the University of Florida and received his undergraduate degree in Forestry, graduating at the top of his class. He was sought out by Auburn University where he became the school’s first Forestry graduate student. After receiving his Masters degree at Auburn, he received his Doctorate at Syracuse University.

Returning home to Mississippi State University, he began a storied career of teaching Forest Economics. For 31 years students learned under this gifted scholar who loved them and loved teaching. He strived to learn something new every day.
Upon his retirement in 1984, he was named Professor Emeritus.

As a dedicated member of First Baptist Church, Starkville, MS, James served the Lord consistently and diligently. He became a Deacon in 1958, taught Sunday School to all ages, and was a longtime member of the Businessmen’s Bible Class. In 1986, he joined the Gideon Ministry and loved speaking and distributing Bibles.

James influenced many lives through his church, military, and community service, but his proudest achievement was loving and enriching the lives of his children, grandchildren and especially his precious great-grandchildren. His calm countenance, determined spirit, and joyful heart blessed so many. He was a true Christian gentleman.

The family expresses much love and gratitude to his dear friends and caregivers, Rita Townsel, Aretha Jordan, and Annie Madison. What a blessing they are to the whole family!

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Starkville, MS on Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 12:00 - 2:00 pm, with funeral service immediately following. Graveside service will be held at Memorial Garden Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 106 East Lampkin Street, Starkville, MS 39759 or the Starkville Gideons, P.O. Box 669, Starkville, MS 39760.