SCRANTON, Penn — John “Jack” F. Moran, 87, died peacefully where he loved to be, center stage – surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and holding his sweetheart’s hand – following a brief, unexpected illness on
August 12, 2019 in Scranton Regional Hospital.

Jack was a country singer/songwriter, best known for his Grammy nominated song Skip a Rope performed by Henson Cargill and written with Glenn Tubb. In 1968, Skip a Rope spent 5 weeks on the top of the Country Billboard charts, and even crossed over to #25 in the Hot 100. This socially controversial colossal hit went on to eventually be covered by nearly 100 artists including Conway Twitty and George Jones.  In 1970, Jack released his own album, As I See It (the album notes were nominated for a Grammy in 1970) that was remastered and re-released in 2016.

A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Jack was born Feb. 26, 1932, the son of Frank and Gwen Moran. Jack, as he was known by his many friends, sustained a serious eye injury at birth and lost his sight completely at the age of 14.  

Despite his handicap, Jack excelled at school, even pioneering a program in the local public school for low vision students. Jack was a member of the National Honor Society, editor of his high school yearbook, and valedictorian of his 1950 Scranton Tech High School class of just under 500 students. 

Jack graduated with honors from Penn State University, receiving a BA in 1956 and a master’s degree in counseling in 1961. At Penn State, Jack was a member of the Men’s Glee Club, ATO, and Phi Beta Kappa, but he was perhaps most notable for walking the campus led by his faithful seeing eye dog, Ike. Jack remained an enthusiastic lifelong fan and supporter of his alma mater. 

Throughout his life, Jack worked in a number of jobs, championing the civil rights of and counseling those with disabilities. Jack was employed by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, New Jersey Commission for the Blind, NCCJ, and Maine DHS.

However, his true calling was writing songs and performing them on stage. 

In his musical career, in addition to the much lauded “Skip a Rope,” Jack had over 200 songs under contract, with over 30 being recorded by notable performers of the day. Jack continued to write songs throughout his life, writing hundreds more songs after his contracts with Tree and ASCAP had expired.

In 1963, Jack married Joyce Torrey and together they had three children, Allison, John, and Linda. During their childhood, the Morans primarily lived in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. However, they would visit Joyce’s hometown of Union, Maine every summer, where they would eventually settle in 1983. 

Jack’s favorite career began in 1990, when his sweet granddaughter Sarah was born, and “Grampa’s” daycare opened. Jack was an indulgent and loving grandfather to all his grandchildren, always willing to hold a baby, play on the floor, and sneak treats. 

As Joyce’s mobility and health declined, Jack became a faithful caregiver in an effort to keep her at home as long as possible. In her final years, Jack was her daily companion. After Joyce’s passing in 2008, Jack became more involved in the many clubs that he belonged to--the Lion’s Club, AA, and the unofficial “Old Man’s Breakfast Club.” In his late 70s and 80s, Jack’s social life was more active than ever. 

In 2014, after a 60-year separation, Jack reconnected with his former Scranton neighbor, and first love--Joan Davis of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. Jack’s last years spent devotedly with his darling Joan were arguably the happiest of his life. Jack was also a church elder and regular soloist at the Presbyterian Church of Tunkhannock.

Jack proved every day that age is only a number as he lived life to the fullest, despite the limitation of sight. He had a sharp intellect, a big heart, and copious charm which he shared generously with everyone. Whether you called him Jack, Old, Grampa, or Old Grampa, everyone is sure to miss him and his powerful voice that dominated every phone call and room.   

From a previous marriage, Jack was predeceased by his son, David Moran and two grandsons. From this marriage, Jack is survived by his daughter, Susan Weiss and her husband, Kevin Weiss, of Severna Park, Maryland; Chris Moran of Atlanta, Georgia; and eight grandchildren. 

Jack is also survived by his beloved Joan; his daughter, Allison Davis and her husband, Mark, of Hope, Maine; his son, John Moran and his wife, Sarah, of Dalian, China; his daughter, Linda and her husband, Dieter Weber of Hope, Maine; his beloved grandchildren, Sarah Schneider and husband Mike, Leah Davis, Gwenyvere Sewall, Fiona Sewall, Shea Sewall, Henry Moran, Emily Moran, and Nolan Moran; his “PA family,” Becky Davis, Anne Godfrey-Wilson, Harry Woodrow, Gladys and Pat Bernet; Nieces Alane Starko, Diane Jordan; nephews, Bruce, Mark, and Bob Jordan; and many other cherished family and friends. 

Jack was predeceased by his parents Francis Moran and Gwen Simon Moran, his sister Gloria Jordan, and wife, Joyce Moran. 

A more complete obituary can be found at www.bchfh.com.

Jack’s funeral services and life celebration were held on August 17, 2019. 

Donations in Jack’s name can be made to Maine Children’s Cancer Program, 100 Campus Drive, Unit 107, Scarborough, ME 04074, in honor of his granddaughter, Sarah Schneider.