James Harold Moses

James Harold Moses, 83, passed away peacefully, at home, on Sunday, November 07, 2010 after a valiant 6 month battle with leukemia. His wish to die at home with dignity, surrounded by family and supported by Hospice of Wake County was honored.

Harold was a devoted and loving husband to Hazel; a loving and patient father to Judy and Jan; a protective brother to his sisters, Mary and Myrtle; and a selfless, faithful friend to his many peers, students and neighbors.

He was a lifelong Carolina Blue Tarheel. Harold never met a stranger. He loved life and he loved people.

Harold’s family is especially grateful to Dr. JoEllen Speca, Cyndy Simonson, ANP and all of the caring and compassionate staff of the Rex Cancer Center. They were all instrumental in making his final six months an affirming and unforgettable experience for Harold and his family.

Harold was born in Durham, NC on July 21, 1927 to Flora and James Moses. He attended Hope Valley School from 1st through 12th grade, where he made life-long friends. Harold liked to say that he was in the top ten of his graduating class at Hope Valley. Truth be told, there were only 13 students in his graduating class! Harold joined the Navy out of high school, and upon his return, continued his education at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in Recreation Administration. During those college years, Harold met Hazel on a blind date. And so, a lifelong love developed. Harold and Hazel were married on August 19, 1950.

They made their home in Durham, Harold serving as the director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Durham and Hazel making a wonderful home for her husband and two daughters.

In the mid 60’s the family moved to Raleigh where Harold joined the Park, Recreation and Tourism Management Faculty of NC State University. During this time, Harold pursued further studies leading to an MS in Recreation Administration. After ten years, he assumed the position of Assistant Director of the North Carolina Recreation Commission. From there, he became Chief of the NC Division of Parks and Recreation within the Department of Natural Resources and Community Development. He served as President of the NC Recreation and Parks Association and Chief of the State Recreation & Park Advisory Services. He was a pioneer in establishing the Community School Program in NC. Harold served as adjunct faculty at UNC-CH and NCSU. He was active in many professional associations, including the National Recreation & Park Association. He was the proud recipient of the Harold D. Meyer Award, the highest award given to an outstanding recreation and park professional for the 10 southern state area. He was also inducted into the North Carolina Recreation & Park Society Hall of Fame. He served as the President of the NC Recreation and Parks Society and as the President of NC Senior Games and was a driving force behind the acquisition of the buildings to house those same organizations. He and Hazel generously established an endowed scholarship (the J. Harold and Hazel Moses Scholarship for Academic Excellence) to an NCSU student majoring in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management. Harold was recognized as one of the country’s leaders in the field of Parks and Recreation. Within the state, he served a vital role in the planning and creation of many of the parks that we enjoy today.

When Harold retired from State Government, he and Hazel travelled extensively throughout the US, including Alaska (once in their camper), Canada and Europe. He could probably tell you every camp ground in the US and Canada in which he & Hazel ever stayed. Harold yearned for a place in the mountains so they bought a weekend home in Ashe County. It was at that cabin called “Moses Mound” that many happy and relaxing days were spent by “H&H” and their families.

Harold was blessed to have so many dear friends throughout the state-friends from childhood and those he developed professionally. Those same friends remained constant and true, supporting Harold and Hazel along his final journey. A special thank you to Jack (Swede) and Joy Frauson - for being like brother and sister.

Harold was strong in his faith, generous in his support of those less fortunate and ever-thankful of the many blessings bestowed upon him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of sixty years, Hazel Williamson Moses of Raleigh, daughters Judy Babb and husband, Scott Hertel of Hendersonville, NC and Jan Moses and husband, Willis Hedgepeth of Raleigh; sisters Mary Crouch of McLean, VA. and Myrtle Webster of Durham, NC; niece, Ginger Black of McLean, VA and her daughter Caitlin Black.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, November 10th at 11 a.m. at Raleigh Moravian Church, 1816 Ridge Road in Raleigh, with a reception to follow. Burial will take place following the reception at Maplewood Cemetery, 1621 Duke University Road in Durham, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, Raleigh Chapter; NC Senior Games; Raleigh Moravian Church; Hospice of Wake County and to the J. Harold Moses Scholarship c/o North Carolina Recreation Parks Scholarship Foundation, 833 Washington St., Raleigh, NC 27605.

Condolences may be sent to www.BrownWynne.com