Portland Mourns the Loss of Legendary Locksmith and Civil Rights Pioneer

Legendary Locksmith and Civil Rights Pioneer J.J. Moore

The Portland community is mourning the loss of beloved father, entrepreneur, civil rights advocate, and respected businessman J.J. Moore, founder of Affordable JJ Lock & Key and one of Oregon’s pioneering Black locksmiths, who passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026. 

For decades, Moore was a trusted and familiar presence throughout Portland and the surrounding metropolitan area. Through his business, Affordable JJ Lock & Key, he built a lasting reputation for professionalism, integrity, reliability, and exceptional service. As one of the few African American locksmith business owners in Oregon, Moore broke barriers and created opportunities for future generations of Black entrepreneurs.

Beyond his success in business, Moore’s life reflected a deep commitment to justice, equality, and community empowerment. In a 2017 interview with the Portland Observer, he shared his experiences participating in the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches alongside fellow activists advocating for voting rights and social change. His journey embodied courage, resilience, and a lifelong dedication to uplifting others.

Family, friends, customers, and community members remember J.J. not only as a skilled locksmith, but as a man whose wisdom, kindness, and entrepreneurial spirit positively impacted countless lives throughout Portland and beyond.

“J.J. Moore represented resilience, leadership, and community,” shared family friends. “His impact reached far beyond his business. He opened doors for others in every sense of the word.”

Moore’s passing marks the loss of a respected father, husband, papa, brother, uncle, and community leader whose legacy will continue through the lives he touched, the business he built, and the history he helped shape.

The family kindly asks that all condolence cards, flowers, and expressions of sympathy be sent to:

The Moore Family

4724 NE Killingsworth,

Portland, OR 97218

A public Celebration of Life honoring the legacy of J.J. Moore will be held in June 2026. Additional details will be announced soon. Family, friends, colleagues, and community members are encouraged to stay tuned for further information.