Mr. Anaheim High – Moe MaMulcahy

James “Moe” Mulcahy — a.k.a. Mr. Anaheim – from Class of 1961 is a Colonist who bleeds Gold and Blue. 

As a student, he infected others with his passion for Colonist Spirit and Pride.

While at Anaheim High, he was homecoming king, served as yearbook advertising manager, was treasurer of Future Business Leaders of America, vice president of the Pep Club and Future Homemakers of America.

When Moe saw a mediocre level of school spirit at Anaheim High, which he considered every student’s responsibility, he set out to change the Colonist energy level, according to his classmate Lydia Cano.

“He was a one-man horn for each and every game, enlisting everyone from the ground up to participate with the Pep Club, at pep rallies, assemblies and at the games. This translated loud and clear to all the players and coaches, which I am certain contributed to their self-confidence at game time.”

Moe’s time at Anaheim High was precious to him because of having to drop out of school temporarily to help support his family.

James “Moe” Mulcahy was born in Youngstown, Ohio, Feb. 27, 1940, and was the youngest of 11 children. He and his mother and brother came to Anaheim on a bus in 1954 after his father left them. They lived with an aunt and he attended Fremont Junior High.

When Moe was 14-years-old his mother became ill and needed surgery, he made a deal with the doctor to do yard work for him since the family had no money to pay the medical bills. He then found a job at night at the Anaheim Bowling Alley as a pin boy. He also became a kitchen boy at Fremont in exchange for his lunch.

It was in 1958 that he had to quit school to take on a full time day job to take care of his mother, while still working nights at the bowling alley. Moe has always said his mom was his No. 1, according to Lydia.

Anaheim’s favorite bowling alley was supporting Anaheim since it’s opening.

He stayed out of school for a while and was finally able to go back in his sophomore year at Anaheim High. He quickly became the greatest advertising salesman the school had ever known plus the greatest leader in getting the students to get on the bandwagon with school spirit.

At one point, Moe had one of the teachers drive him to meet with a vice president at Disneyland and convinced him that the Magic Kingdom should be partners with Anaheim High and advertise in the yearbook and football programs. When the meeting was over, the Disney executive was so impressed with Moe that he asked him to contact him after graduation because he wanted to hire him to work at Disneyland. Moe did just that and ended up working eight years for Disneyland.

Fifty-four years after Moe graduated from Anaheim, people still remember his smile, his energy, his generosity and his undying love for his alma mater. “You only have to spend two minutes talking with Moe until he steers the conversation to the days he spent at Anaheim High School,” said Lydia.

Moe has suffered a severe health condition the past few years and at times his friends did not know whether he would be able to be with us, but his tenacity and love for life pulled him through, according to Lydia.

“Moe is the most humble person on this earth, always thanking those friends who have contributed to his healing. He is once again enjoying life and back doing what he loves….working,” said Lydia, who has been on Moe’s team of classmates who have helped him throughout the ordeal.

Lydia asked him what his thoughts were when he learned he had become Anaheim’s Homecoming King in 1960. He quickly answered: “It was my greatest thrill. It was the greatest honor. I told my mom.” He then he went on to say, ” My thoughts were that Eddie Scheffler should have won it. He was the quarterback and he deserved it. Eddie’s my friend!”

“This is just like Moe….thinking of others before himself,” said Lydia of her beloved classmate. Along with Friday’s Pep Rallies, Moe and Lydia will also be attending the Homecoming game and the Saturday Colony Classic Car Show.

If you see Moe, be sure to welcome him back to the Colony!