Moore remembered for role as prosecutor

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A former Scott County prosecuting attorney and prominent Sikeston lawyer died early Sunday morning following a prolonged battle with illness.

James E. Moore III, 66, had lived in Charleston, Mo., at the time of his death, but made his name years before in Scott County as a private practice attorney, prosecutor and member of the community.

Moore was a member of the Sikeston Jaycees and participated in four musicals at the Sikeston Little Theatre, including a role as the King in "The King and I."

Moore was elected as prosecuting attorney in 1972 after four years as an assistant prosecutor. He won election over James Robinson in the Democratic primary that year after a recount in a close election.

Moore served two terms until his defeat in 1976. At that time, the office of the prosecuting attorney was a part-time job with two-year terms.

Former Scott County Sheriff Bill Ferrell not only worked with Moore -- Ferrell was a sheriff's deputy while Moore was assistant prosecutor -- but also went to school with him in Sikeston.

Ferrell said that Moore's main priority as both a private practice attorney and as a prosecutor was doing his job correctly, but outside the office, family always came first.

He could also shoot a good pool game, Ferrell said.

Moore's brother Jon Moore was 20 years younger than his brother, and always looked up to his him.

"He was incredibly intelligent, his IQ was off the charts, and he inspired me intellectually to do the best I could," said Jon Moore. "He was a big inspiration and a real hero to me. That's not something easily done or easily achieved or easily forgotten."

Moore said his brother inspired him to study law, a field he would later decide not to pursue.

Jon Moore said his brother had been on dialysis from complications due to diabetes.

For details on Moore's visitation and funeral, see the obituaries on Page 7A today.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182