James Randolph Moyer, beloved husband, father, brother, was born on April 10, 1948, in Axton, Virginia. He departed this life on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Ada, Michigan after an 11-year battle with cancer. He was 78. He was preceded in death by his parents James Moses and Lillie Belle Moyer and sister, Cathy Burch. James lived in the Washington DC area until he assumed a position at Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan from which he retired in 2018.

James was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School. Upon graduation, James was the first person in his extended family to attend college where he received a professional degree in architecture from Howard University. He became a registered architect, by examination, in 1976. He became a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) registered professional in 2009.

Other educational activities include training and certifications in asbestos awareness, handicapped accessibility, energy conservation, space utilization and management.

James has held memberships in the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Society of College and University Planners (SCUP), Construction Specification Institute (CSI), Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA), National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), American Public Works Association (APWA), Michigan Association of Physical Plant Administrators (MIAPPA). He has served in various non-profit organizations including the Mary Free Bed Hospital Board of Trustees, West Grand Organization Board, Walker Meadow Community Senior Community and River Grove Senior Community Board, and the West Michigan Environment Action Committee. He served as the chairperson of the Porter Hills Retirement Communities and Services Board of Trustees, as well as the Porter Hills Retirement Community Foundation. He received numerous recognitions for his service to the community. During his tenure as a board member, many of these organizations underwent significant expansion of their physical facilities.

During his working career, James completed projects that included educational, training, and public facilities in 33 states. Significant projects include the Arlington County Justice Center and a four million square feet expansion of Grand Valley State University. Buildings and plans completed under his supervision were granted numerous awards for construction and design excellence. Several buildings received the top LEED awards by the US Green Building Council. James contributed to the development, writing and editing of several handbooks for facility development and operation at the Department/Job Corps Centers; participated in the development, writing and editing of two environmental impact statements for rail transit stations; participated in the editing and updating of subdivision regulations in Larimer County, Colorado.

James received numerous honors and awards during his career. Some of them include Administrative and Professional Achievement Award at Grand Valley State University, Exceptional Employee Performance Award at Arlington County, Virginia, Commemoration from the Arlington County Commission on Persons with Physical Disabilities, Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) Certificate, National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

James enjoyed his work and was proud of his accomplishments. He was a sports fan and enjoyed going to GVSU football games. While attending Howard, James became a Washington Redskins (now Commanders) fan and enjoyed going to those games as well. He loved gardening and in his spare time enjoyed reading a good novel. He was also an avid walker, walking every day until he no longer could.

James’ will be sadly missed by his wife, Sherry and son, Bryan. He is also survived by his sisters: Gladys King, Althea Louise Galloway, Mary Kearney, Cecil Lowe, Reba Moyer Childress, Doretha Moyer, Danna Grier (Wagner), Veronica Faye Brown (Glen), Peggy Powell (Deron), Sabena Moyer, and an uncle, aunt, and a host nieces and nephews.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in James’ memory may do so to the James R. Moyer Scholarship at Grand Valley State University or to the scholarship program for architecture students at Howard University.

After a memorial visitation September 21, 3:30-6:30 pm, Regency Dining Room, Grand Valley State University, Pew Campus, interment will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 12: p.m. at the Moyer Family Cemetery, Moyer Lane, Axton, Virginia, followed by visitation and repass in the Edward C. Martin St Paul Holiness Church Fellowship Hall, 2383 Martin Lane, Axton, Virginia.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.