The Daily Review
October 7, 2018
Film production designer John Jay Moore III, a native of Towanda, Pennsylvania, age 90, passed May 7, 2018, in Ventura California, surrounded by loving family. Born Feb. 22, 1928, to Cassandana Page Moore and John Jay Moore the II, he was known as “Jack” growing up. Summering at Lake Wesauking, he used to put on plays, and build sets for the Lake Wesauking Lodge, and that is when his interest in theatre and production began. He joined the Army serving in Korea, and once back attended Syracuse University majoring in theatre. He went on to become an assistant and set designer on Broadway in New York working on Fiddler on The Roof, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Follies and Cabaret. His film career began in New York then moved to California for Hollywood. Some of his art direction and production design film credits include Ghost Busters, Sophie’s Choice, Cherry 2000, Cowboy Way, Rollover, King of the Gypsies, Wall Street, The Wiz and Double Impact. Member of scenic artists local 829 and a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures, he is listed in the 2018 Oscars memorial.
Survived by his large and ever adoring family, wife, Karin Rasmussen Moore of Hertfordshire England; his twin sons, Andrew Moore of California and wife, Susan along with his grandchildren, Guy and Rachel; and Stephen Moore of New York and wife Ilene along with his grandchildren, Myles and Ruby; his daughter, Kristin Moore-Gantz of New York and her husband, David, and his grandchildren Dylan, Caleb and Reed.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his two sisters, Jill Spentzas and Polly Dawsey; extended family in and from Towanda include, his brother-in-law, Marshall Dawsey; and his many Dawsey and Spentzas nieces and nephews.
A creative energy dad, grandpa Jay, uncle Jack taught us math, how to paint, draw, travel the world, be inquisitive, be kind, be honest, to go for it, to sail, build things, fix things, and to catch turtles. He gifted us with rich, funny memories and adventurous stories of his growing up in Bradford County, canoe trips down the Susquehanna, behind the scenes exotic locations and the magic of his movie making craft. He is an inspiration to us all to try to live as full a life as he.
Jay requested that we celebrate his life, without sadness! In his honor please enjoy one of his films and raise a scotch as his credit rolls. Thoughts may be shared with the family by visiting tiogapointcremation.com. Caring services are being provided by Cooley Tioga Point Cremation and Burial Options, Athens, PA 18810.
MOORE, John Jay (John Jay Moore III)
Born: 2/22/2918,Towanda, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
Died: 5/7/2018, Ventura, California, U.S.A.
John Jay Moore’s western – production designer:
The Cowboy Way - 1994