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Teachers' Union Official Affected Many Lives In Positive Way

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By MARILYN BROWN

mbrown@tampatrib.com

Published: December 18, 2008

TAMPA - Jade Moore, the face of the Pinellas teachers union for more than three decades, died early today after being hospitalized Tuesday after a stroke.

Moore, the executive director of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, had a less-severe stroke in January. He was hospitalized then for five days and downplayed the setback.

He worked closely with the district for decades but was a tough advocate for teachers. Most recently he ended up on the winning side of arbitration over the hours worked by middle school teachers, but continued battling over teacher pay.

Candid and witty, Moore rarely censored his opinions on any subject -- including politicians, endearing him to reporters. He was close to former Pinellas Schools Superintendent Scott Rose. The two shared a passion for the University of Florida, continuing their spirited tailgating in the grassy lot behind their favorite motel described by Moore as the cheapest in Gainesville.

"It will be very difficult for the PCTA to replace him," Rose said today. "He stood head and shoulders above any others in the state ... He had to be good or he wouldn't have lasted 30 years."

Moore, 61, earned both his bachelors and masters degrees from the University of South Florida, but adopted UF, the alma mater of his wife of 38 years, Sue. The couple have two daughters, Michelle and Jennifer, and a 6-month-old granddaughter, Rowan Jade Peace.

A bear of a man at 6-foot-3, Moore could be an intimidating figure, even dressed in a Raggedy Andy suit his wife made for him one Halloween. He wore it to the office, continuing to conduct business as usual late into the day.

Moore had a strong faith and caring warmth as an elder in his church, Trinity Presbyterian, and taught Sunday school there for three decades. He was also past moderator to the Presbytery of Tampa Bay.

As a notary, Moore performed numerous weddings.

"And, they all took!" Sue Moore said Thursday. "He would always say to the couple, 'Always put the other person first and treat them the way you want to be treated.'"

A memorial service is scheduled Jan. 3 at 4 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2001 Rainbow Drive, Clearwater.

Reporter Marilyn Brown can be reached at (813) 259-8069.

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