Moriarty was born in Borroloola, Northern Territory to a tribal Aboriginal woman, who spoke seven Aboriginal languages, and an Irishman from County Kerry. As such he was classified as half-caste. The policy at that time was generally to remove half-caste children from "full-blood" mothers. He was removed from his mother at four years of age, making him part of the stolen generation. Up until that age, he spoke only the Yanyuwa language. His Aboriginal name is Jumbana and his ceremonial name is Kundareri. He was placed in a home for Aboriginal children at Mulgoa in the west of Sydney, and a few years later was moved to Adelaide.
In 1983 Moriarty founded the Jumbana Group in Adelaide with the Balarinji brand being the most prominent component. Moriarty is Chairman and head designer of the group. 1994 Moriarty was commissioned by Qantas to design artwork for a Boeing 747-400aeroplane. The finished result was the "Wunala Dreaming", which was first displayed on, then on. A second aeroplane, a Boeing 747-300, was painted in 1995 and is known as "Nalanji Dreaming". He was also responsible for repainting two NR class locomotive to indigenous livery.
Soccer
Moriarty played his football for South AustralianFirst Division teams Port Thistle, Adelaide Juventus before playing for Adelaide Croatia alongside St Francis House schoolmates Charles Perkins and Gordon Briscoe. In 1960, Moriarty was the first recognised Indigenous Australian to be selected for a national soccer team. He was selected to play in an Australian national team tour to Hong Kong but the tour was cancelled after Australia's expulsion from FIFA. Moriarty's career ended after a collision with a goalkeeper. Moriarty represented the state of South Australia 17 times. After retiring, Moriarty served on the board of Adelaide Juventus Moriarty established a scholarship for young indigenous soccer players, and is focused on grassroots participation. The organisation is named the Jim Moriarty Foundation. The foundation has received international praise from FIFA, and has received money from outside sources such as Tim Cahill. One of the early recipients of a scholarship was Shay Evans.
Working life
Prior to founding Balarinji, John was a public servant in various departments of Aboriginal affairs, both state and federal. Between 1994 and 2004 Moriarty served on the board of Indigenous Business Australia. He is a recipient of an Advance Australia Award for service to industry and commerce. He is also a member of the Order of Australia.
Writing
In 2000, he wrote an autobiography Saltwater Fella published by Viking Press. He and his cousin Charles Perkins were interviewed by Australian journalist John Pilger in his 2002 book The New Rulers of the World.
