James Patrick Moloney

James Patrick Moloney passed away on May 22, 2026, at home surrounded by family. James was also known as Jim, Jimmy, Da, Granda, and “Scallywag Jim” from the Dublin Pub.

Jim was born in Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland, in 1942 to James and Mary Moloney. He followed his dream and emigrated to the United States in 1960 in search of new opportunities. He settled in New York, where he met the love of his life, Catherine, at an Irish dance in the Bronx. He told her that very night that he was going to marry her. Jim and Catherine had four children, Kerry, Colleen, James, and Shane, whom they raised in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.

Jim was a devoted father who made life feel fun, safe, and full of possibility for his children. He was kind, inspiring, supportive, and always present, the kind of dad who showed up for everything and made everyone around him feel loved.

Jim loved sports and being active. He played Irish football, was a Golden Gloves boxer, and earned a black belt in karate. He was a lifelong fan of the Giants, Yankees and Knicks. A passionate Kerry football fan, he was in his glory celebrating one last All-Ireland Championship. He loved playing golf with sons, son-in-law, and his many friends. He loved spending time with his children, especially playing sports with them, swimming at the Swim Club, and riding waves in the ocean. He generously gave his time coaching soccer and Little League baseball. Around town, he was known as the fun, cool dad, larger than life, endlessly charming and funny.

Jim had a great love of music, with favorites that included U2, The Rolling Stones, and The Dubliners. He also loved traditional Irish music, the great Irish tenors, and opera.

He was a longtime employee of B. Altman & Company, where he was a station engineer and loved by all. His colleagues felt like family.

Jim and family then relocated to New Hyde Park, Long Island, where he helped his brother Ted run the Dublin Pub. There he became a well-known personality, appearing in advertisements and featured in the local favorite WLIR radio commercials. He loved his time at The Dublin Pub, the memories they created there, and the many connections he built throughout Long Island. He was always there to greet you at the door on the way in, and give you a hug and a handshake on the way home.

After many years on Long Island, James and Catherine relocated to Mooresville, North Carolina, to be closer to their grandchildren. He quickly became known as “Granda” around the Lake Norman area, always showing up to sporting events and performances to support his grandchildren and their friends. He was the best grandad around, and everyone seemed to know it. Though no one knew it quite like his nine grandchildren, Brendan, James, Emily, Brian, Caitlin, Michael, Elizabeth, Olivia, and Scarlett, who always felt like the luckiest people in the world to have such a wonderful grandfather.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, 16901 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville. Funeral services will follow immediately at 1:00 pm in the funeral home chapel.

James is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Catherine; his children Kerry (Chad), Colleen (Michael), James (Danielle), and Shane (Rina); eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sisters, Maureen and Maeve; and brother, Timothy.

Along with his parents, James is preceded in death by his Auntie Geet and sisters, Catherine Marriott and Margaret Anderson.

He is now reunited with his late granddaughter Olivia Moloney in heaven, where he can finally show her how to ride the waves and have a wild time in the ocean.

There was no one in this world quite like James Moloney, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Raymer Kepner Funeral Home is caring for the Moloney family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com