James "Jimmy" Moran was born in 1868 in Trevorton, PA. His family came to Decatur in 1880 when his father went to work for the Decatur Coal Company. After his father left the coal company and opened a grocery store, Jimmy worked with him at the store. In 1893, Jimmy joined the Funeral establishment of Wikoff & Reeve. Early in his career he drove a hearse working his way up to the position of an apprentice embalmer. In 1891 Mr. Moran purchased the interest of Mr. Reeve and the firm became known as Wikoff & Moran. Upon the retirement of Mr. Wikoff, Mr. Moran purchased the entire business and in 1904 the business became known as J.J. Moran. In 1921, Jimmy took into his business his sons Louis A. and Ambrose C. Moran. At that time the business became known as J. J. Moran & Sons. As a surprise to his sons, Jimmy had the fact announced through the newspapers before he ever told them that they were partners. In 1924 after saving for 20 years, Mr. Moran realized his dream and built the finest and most sophisticated funeral home in "Downstate Illinois" at the corner of Water and Eldorado. On March 19, 1926, James "Jimmy" Moran died, but the business continued to serve the needs of the public under the watchful eyes of Louis and Ambrose. In 1929, James J. Moran Jr. joined the firm and became a partner in 1946. After the deaths of Louis A. Moran on July 20, 1948 and Ambrose C. Moran on June 15, 1982, James Jr. became the sole owner of J. J. Moran & Sons. To better serve our community, ground was broken on our existing facility in April of 1986, a "State of the Art" 13,000 square foot facility (all on one level) situated on 2.6 acres providing five visitation areas, chapel to accommodate over 200 people, casket display room, 6 offices, 2 lounges and ample off street lighted parking. James Jr. continued to operate the business until declining health forced him to sell the business. J. J. Moran & Sons continued, however, under the ownership of an off site owner/funeral director and a local manager/co-owner. In 1996 David H. Goebel joined the firm as a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He and his wife Karen became partners and manager in 2001 after buying out the original manager/co-owner. In August of 2003 David and Karen became sole owners of the business and to reflect the changing times changed the name to Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services. David, Karen, their entire family and staff are dedicated to serving the needs of the families in the Decatur and Macon County area. Their interests, and the interests of the families they serve, are one and the same.