John James Mooney, 86, formerly of Binghamton, New York, and most recently of Conway, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born in Cobleskill, New York, in 1940.
John was a graduate of Binghamton North High School and the Teterboro School of Aeronautics.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Linda; his parents, John “Jack” and Leah Mooney; and his brother, Peter Mooney. He is survived by his sister, Susan Mooney of Chenango Bridge, New York; his sons, Jon “Jay” Mooney of Effingham, Illinois, and Kevin Mooney (Sarah) of Endicott, New York; and his grandchildren, Colleen, Bridget, Daegan, and Braylon.
John was employed for 27 years by the New York State Department of Transportation in Binghamton, where he worked as a mechanic and supervisor. Following his retirement from the Department of Transportation, he continued his career as a machinist with A-Line Technologies in Kirkwood, New York.
In 2011, John and Linda retired to Conway, South Carolina, near Myrtle Beach. They enjoyed many wonderful years attending car shows with John’s beautiful 1957 Chevrolet Nomad station wagon, a vehicle he had acquired and painstakingly restored to perfection.
John’s passion for automobiles began in the 1950s, when he developed an interest in cars and drag racing and eventually, stock car racing. That interest grew into a lifelong dedication to racing, engine building, and mechanical craftsmanship.
He became one of the Southern Tier’s most respected stock car mechanics and engine builders, specializing in building high-performance big-block Chevrolet engines for area race teams. John earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, exceptional attention to detail, and unwavering pride in his work.
Among the highlights of his more than 50 years in racing were his long associations with Hall of Fame stock car drivers Don Diffendorf and Chuck Akulis. Both drivers celebrated numerous victories and track championships with John turning the wrenches and the words “Motor by Mooney” proudly displayed on the hoods of their race cars.
