South Central Alaska Beard and Moustache Club

BACK

In Memoriam - James Mooney III

Mr. Pole Cat --- 2007

The members of the SCAKBMC were saddened last year when our good friend Jim Mooney passed away without warning. He had the kind of beard that few have the ability to grow. We were just beginning to get to know Jim when he was taken from us. His wife Tanya and son Adam have graciously written this short tribute to the life of the person whom they loved. The memory of Jim and his impressive beard will be with each one of us as the World Championships come to Anchorage.

From a young age, Jim always enjoyed the outdoors. As a boy growing up in Florida, he enjoyed camping and fishing with his family. When we married in 1986, Jim spoke of wanting a mountain home. He knew back then he wanted to be a "mountain man". However, the Army had other plans. (Jim was in the Army several years before we met.)

During his military career, we lived in base housing, in large cities or near large cities. Jim wasn't truly happy. Then in 1999, the opportunity of a lifetime was given to Jim. The Army presented him with orders to report to Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Our family was stationed at Ft. Richardson for three years (1999-2002). During this time, Jim took full advantage of what Alaska had to offer. He joined a bicycling club, entered the Salmon Derby at Ship Creek (Anchorage) winning prizes, and he taught his son how to hunt and fish. He spent the winter months learning how to snowboard, ice fish and building snow caves with the Boy Scouts.

In 2002, the Army sent Jim and his family to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Jim had two more years until retirement. He didn't like the climate and he became unhappy. Jim longed for the life he had in Alaska. When he retired in 2004, there was only one place Jim wanted to be. It can be said that the Army sent Jim and his family to Alaska in 1999 but Jim's heart brought him back to Alaska in 2004.

Jim served proudly in the Army for over 20 years. I always wanted him to grow a beard however Army regulations would not permit it. So we settled for a mustache. Jim promised to grow a beard as soon as he retired. He started his beard March 31, 2004 and NEVER shaved again.

When we returned to live in Anchorage, Jim got a job at Schuck's Auto Parts. That's where he met Dave Traver. (Jim was fascinated with Dave's beard.) Jim learned about the Beard Club, the M&T Ball and the Beard Contest. At that time, Jim's beard was fairly new. I called it a "baby beard". As time went on, Jim's beard grew and grew. Strangers would approach us to comment on it's length and fullness. Jim took great pride in that beard. The running joke was that he spent more time in the mirror than I did.

Fast forward to February 2007. Our family now lived about 15 miles outside Wasilla with a beautiful view of the mountains. If Jim didn't need to work ( to do little things like pay the mortgage and the light bill) he would be outside "playing" 24/7. At the 2007 M&T Ball, Jim won 1st place in the Pole Cat Division. I don't know who was more proud-- me or him!! He loved his beard. He was looking forward to the World Beard Championship in May 2009. He talked about it constantly. It was a huge part of his life.

My handsome, beloved Jim passed away on August 14, 2007. He loved Alaska and his life here. He always wanted to be a "mountain man" and in the end that's what he was. He had the courage to follow his dreams and live those dreams. I thank God everyday for allowing me to be a part of Jim's life, walking beside him as he lived his dreams. While he won't physically be at the World Championships, I KNOW Jim will be there in spirit. Thanks to all of you who remember him for I know he'll always remember you.

Baby Beard 2004

All Grown Up --- 2007

Jim Mooney - Mr. Pole Cat 2007

All images and information on this website are property of and copyright of ©The South Central Beard and Moustache Club 2008. This site is for private use only. Any requests for public use of items on this website should be addressed to: bob@akbeardclub.com. Please respect the time, effort, and nature of the information on this site and keep growing that beard!