Obituaries

James Donaldson Moffat IV, lifelong adventurer, beloved and loving husband, nurturing father, mentoring brother, cool uncle, fun grandfather, and great-humored friend; passed away peacefully on September the 23rd, at the age of 75. Jim was born on May 16th, 1949, in St Louis, Missouri, and committed his life to giving of himself and his skills in the service of others.

Jim married his first wife in 1969 and graduated in 1971 from Westminster College in Missouri, where he earned a B.A. degree in Biology/Pre-Med, hoping to become a doctor. A sign of the times, Jim’s dreams were diverted to a military career in the Air Force Strategic Air Command, where he served as Captain of B-52H Bombers; and later was selected to work with the CIA and DOD to patrol for Russian trawlers and subs in 24-hr, non-stop, low-altitude flying missions. He had three wonderful children while serving his country and Captain Moffat left the Air Force in 1977, remaining in inactive reserve status until 1988.

His passions for flying, fishing, and sailing were evident from an early age and became his favorite past times, in addition to building a model train diorama of his family’s legacy Moffat Tunnel in Colorado that would lay to shame exhibits of its kind anywhere in the world. In the last decades of his life, he served on the Board of Wings of Hope, a charity offering free airplane medical transport to children and others located in remote locations around the world, and taught STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) classes to youth from underserved communities of St. Louis.

Jim was known for his kindness, generosity, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life wherever he went. He never met a stranger and presented holiday gifts and cards to everyone from the postal worker to the grocery store clerk. Whether it was through his volunteer work, mentorship, or simply lending a listening ear, Jim made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered and had the gift of ‘gab’, always trying to teach others something. Jim had an infectious enthusiasm for life and adventure, and his warm smile could brighten even the darkest days.

Jim is survived by his wife Diane Moffat, with whom he shared his life and love for more than 46 years; his sister-in-law Bonnie (John) Moffat, brother Jeffrey Moffat, daughter Erica (Christian) Siebert, daughter-in-law Deborah (Jay) Moffat, son Aaron (Helen) Moffat; step-children Keith (Brenda) Winter, Dawn Winter, and Kimberly Winter; and grandchildren Marie Metzger, Ryan Winter, Alec Winter, Scott Brandt, Milagros Winter, Savannah Boga, James Moffat VI, Michael Moffat, Kate Moffat, and Matthew Moffat. Jim was preceded in death by parents Marjorie Moffat and James D. Moffat III, sisters Elise and Judy Moffat, brother John Moffat, son James D. Moffat V, and granddaughter Chelsea Metzger.

Plans for a Celebration of Life for James Moffat will be held on May 17th, 2025 in Missouri, when family and friends will be invited to come together to share stories, laughter, and the love that Jim brought into their lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wings of Hope in Chesterfield, MO.

James Donaldson Moffat IV may have left this world, but his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be forever missed and always remembered with love.