As retired publisher of who also served as chairman, president and CEO of A.H. Belo Corporation, the News’ former parent company, Jim has translated his media industry success into being a dynamic philanthropic leader.
Working as both an influencer and fundraiser, Jim has impacted multiple organizations and the people they serve, most notably the Institute for Homiletics, Cistercian Preparatory School in Irving and Young Catholic Professionals.
“Jim transitioned his success in keeping quality journalism alive to fulfilling a sense of duty and service that he learned from his parents, ancestors and Cistercian monks,” said Matt Kramer, president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “Jim has served as a sage and trusted advisor and fundraiser for many organizations and his imprint can be felt throughout the Diocese of Dallas and beyond.”
For more than 40 years, The Catholic Foundation Award has recognized an individual, couple or family for their distinguished service and support to further the religious, charitable, and educational needs throughout the local Catholic community.
Influenced most profoundly by his parents and his Form Master while a student at Cistercian, Jim feels humbled to receive the same honor as his father, James Moroney Jr. did in 2003 and Abbot Denis Farkasfalvy, O. Cist., did in 2016.
Married for more than 40 years to his wife, Barbara, Jim believes in the Gospel of Luke message that to whom much is given, much is owed. (See photo below)
“I was given a lot by my parents, Cistercian and God,” he said. “I could never repay my parents everything they did for me. I could work every day until I die and not give back what they have given to me.”
His work to establish the Institute for Homiletics and hire its founding executive director, Dr. Karla Bellinger, are what he calls his biggest Holy Spirit-driven moment.
“If God allows, I would like to live long enough to see the renewal of Catholic preaching in the U.S. that was started by the Institute for Homiletics,” Jim said. “I want the Institute to make a difference so that people in the pew – through the homily – have a genuine encounter with the living God and walk out of church knowing and wanting to have a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.”
Later this year, table and individual reservations for the 2026 Catholic Foundation Award Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 7 can be made on The Catholic Foundation website or by calling 972-661-9792.
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