Community Hero & Friend: Rev. Jeff Moore II

Reverend Jethroe "Jeff" Moore II 1958 - 2024

The community lost one of our bravest and boldest leaders over the holiday with the passing of Reverend Jethroe “Jeff” Moore II. For decades, Rev. Moore was a civil rights icon for Silicon Valley and beyond. He was a dear friend for more than twenty years whom I often sought advice from, and always humbled by his deep knowledge and passion for justice.

We honor his service and contributions to our families and express our deepest sympathy to his family. Rest in power, Rest in peace.

January 11, 2025 Memorial Service Obituary:

Reverend Jethroe Moore II, 66, of Douglasville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Born on November 14, 1958, at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia, he was the third of five children of Jethroe Moore and Tommie Mae Moore. Raised in San Jose, California, Rev. Moore relocated to Douglasville in 2021. Rev. Moore graduated from Silver Creek High School in San Jose and earned a football scholarship to Fremont Community College before transferring to San Jose State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. In 2004, he graduated from William Jessup Theological University (formerly San Jose Christian College). In 2003, he married  Audrey Hill, and their union was blessed with two sons, Jethroe Moore III (JZ) and Josiah. 

From a young age, Rev. Moore exhibited remarkable initiative and drive. At just 10 years old, he earned tips assisting  shoppers at the Mountain View, California Naval Commissary. During his school years, he played the trombone and  formed a high school band, “Mighty Mighty.” While in high school, he began working part-time at UPS, where he rose  from the assembly line to management before retiring in 2001. Following his retirement, he worked as a Community  School Specialist for the East Side Union High School District, retiring again in 2021. 

In his pastoral career, Rev. Moore served as Interim Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in San Jose following Rev. Wil lie T. Gaines' retirement. He later founded Rehoboth Christian Center, also in San Jose. As a lifetime member of the  NAACP, he served as President of the San Jose/Silicon Valley Chapter from 2008 to 2024, with a brief hiatus. In 2012,  he was inducted into the Thomas P. Ryan Eastside Union High School District Hall of Fame. He was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., having been inducted into the Epsilon Mu chapter in the spring of 1981 at San Jose State University. 

Rev. Moore was deeply committed to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Rev. Moore’s activism and community service spanned numerous roles, including the American Leadership Forum XXVIII; African-American Student Advocate,  East Side Union High School District; Complete Census Steering Committee 2020 - Santa Clara County; NAACP California/Hawaii Executive Committee Religious Chair; Peace Officer Standard Training (P.O.S.T) Commissioner; Santa  Clara County Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Models for Change-Executive Steering Committee; Santa Clara Valley  Water District-Environmental Advisory Committee; South Bay Minister’s Union; Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet; Co Founder, Central Coast Baptist Association-California Southern Baptist Executive Committee; Clean Slate Steering Committee; Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Community Coordinator; Independent Police Auditor Committee  (IPAC); Santa Clara County Blue Ribbon Commission on Foster Care; Santa Clara County School-Linked Services, San ta Clara Valley Water District Redistricting Committee; and the San Jose Police Department-Community Advisory Board  (original member).  

An avid sports fan and lifelong supporter of the Raiders, Rev. Moore enjoyed coaching youth football and playing basket ball and baseball. He had a passion for music and was a movie enthusiast who relished midnight premieres. He shared  his love of barbecuing, especially his renowned spareribs, with family and friends. His love of God and his willingness to let God lead his life brought him to Africa numerous times to minister to the African people.  

He was preceded in death by his father, Jethroe Moore, his sister Deborah Elaine Jones, and his brother Dwayne Thom as Moore. Rev. Moore is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years, Audrey Moore; his loving mother, Tommie Mae  Moore; his sons, JZ and Josiah; his siblings Linda Moore Holoman (Smallwood) and Rodney Moore (Yaslyn); his aunt  Joyce M. Stephens (Herman); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Rev. Moore cherished his family and took immense pride in his sons and the love he shared with his wife. Known for his kind and gentle spirit, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met, commanding respect and admiration with humility and grace. 

Rev. Moore’s legacy as a husband, father, son, brother, leader, friend, and advocate lives on in the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed.

His favorite scripture, Psalm 43:3, reflects his faith and dedication: 
"O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles."