James Elliot Moran was born on August 4th, 1999 to Jamie Beth Moran and Willie Lee Hopkins in Bethesda, Maryland. Tragically, James lost his life after struggling with mental health on March 29th, 2026.

  James was passionate, charismatic, and deeply empathetic. He employed an intense focus to everything he tried. His most recent endeavor was learning Spanish, French, Italian, amongst other languages via Duolingo. He loved it so much he shared and encouraged others to join him on his 1097 day streak. James had a big heart and spirit that drew people to him. Funny and fun, with an easy smile and an instinct for making you laugh when you needed it the most. He wanted everyone to know how wonderful they were. He was quick to chastise you for any negative remarks you made about yourself. where we saw our own flaws, he saw perfection.

  Ath the age of 5, James Elliot Moran moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia through the military, where he began curating a love of music, sports, and Spider-Man. He attended East Carolina University from 2017 to 2021 and majored in Sports Studies. Where James shined, however, was as a bartender at the oceanfront's Catch 31 and Skybar. He was also fiercely competitive and dominated game nights with friends, pool at the pool halls, and at rummy with his mother.

  James Elliot Moran is predeceased by dad, Willie Lee Hopkins. James is loved and Remembered by his girls for whom he was fiercely protective of: mother, Jamie Beth Moran, sisters; Allanah Devitto and Dakota Dize, his father figure who he called Papa Greg, uncles, aunts, his adoring cats, Winnie and Roo, and of course his loving and enduring friends. He was a protector, a steadfast friend, and someone many looked up to.

  Please honor James Elliot Moran by donating to suicide awareness campaign in his name. His celebration of life is Monday, April 27th at the Rainbow Cactus 375 S. Lynnhaven Rd., Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452.