James Alvis Moseley

James Alvis Moseley, 79, of Houston, Texas, died with his wife and children at his side on the 2nd of November 2014 at Memorial Hermann, Memorial City Hospital following a 14 year fight against cancer. He never gave up, passing away only days shy of his eightieth birthday. He fought the great fight with dignity and grace, and was loved by all who knew him and cared for him.

Born the 22nd of November 1934 at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Texas, Jim spent his early years with cousins and friends. At the age of 13, he embraced Christ as his savior on the 30th of March 1947, as he was baptized in the Methodist Church in Texas City, Texas. On the 16th of April 1947, he survived the Texas City explosion, an experience that stayed with him for the rest of his life, as he often recalled searching for his sister as they fled the school. Later that year, the family moved to Tomball, Texas to establish their family home for the next 40 plus years. Jim graduated from Tomball High School where he had played football, and in the fall of 1953 he entered the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. A natural leader, he graduated as Company Commander with a degree in History, a commission in the United States Army, a fierce passion for the Fighting Texas Aggies and many friends who would love him to the day of his death. After serving for a brief time in active duty, Jim began a teaching career in La Feria, Texas. He returned home to Tomball to teach and coach football at his alma mater. The city called and Jim left Tomball for a teaching and coaching position at Spring Branch Junior High School in Houston, TX. There he met Sally Ann Berry, a fellow teacher from Oklahoma, and they were married the 6th of August 1960, starting a family and partnership that would endure more than 54 years. That same year, he entered South Texas College of Law, teaching and coaching football by day, attending law school and studying at night. He distinguished himself by being a member of Delta Theta Phi legal fraternity. 1961 was a momentous year for Jim as his daughter Susan was born on the 13th May, and in the fall, the Berlin Crisis caused him to be recalled into the Army for active duty. He served with the 100th Division from Kentucky in Fort Chafee, Arkansas, and was promoted to Captain, leading a company preparing for conflict. The state of Kentucky, in honor of his service, named him an honorary Kentucky Colonel. Upon completion of his service, Jim returned with his young family to Houston to complete law school while teaching American History, and coaching at Spring Branch High School. A serious student of American History himself, Jim was a participant in Civil War Round table activities. Jim was a beloved teacher and class advisor and coach, generous with his time and skills in mentoring young people that he clearly loved, and who seek him out to this day. In 1965, Jim graduated from South Texas College of Law with a Juris Doctorate, at which time he left teaching for a second career as a prosecuting attorney with the Harris County District Attorney’s office. It was in this position that Jim found lifelong friendships with so many around him, based on an incredible respect for his skills and passion in the courtroom, his honesty and integrity. He was one of the good guys. On the 31st of December 1966, Jim’s son, Jeb was born, and as the years passed, when Jim was not in the courtroom, he was to be found watching his children’s sports, music and other activities, often on the road travelling on weekends to games near and far. He was a constant presence for his children and their friends and the family home was always open to those who wanted to sit with Jim at the kitchen table.

Jim’s service with District Attorneys’ office ended in 1993, with a retirement and commitment to spend time traveling, playing golf and spending time with family. From the time of the first grandchild, Mark, in 1985, Jim became forever known as Big Daddy to scores of children and their friends as he spent time with his family, delighting in his grandchildren. His grandchildren were proud to share their accomplishments with Big Daddy, and he was present for their big days, no matter where that might take him.

From the day he graduated in 1957, Jim wore his Aggie ring and spent Saturdays watching his Aggies on the gridiron. Known for his love of the game, Jim was a member of the Tomball Country Club for more than 50 years, spending time with his father, friends and later his son on the course. He was a great bridge player, and loved spending time with friends and his wife Sally traveling. His two most favorite trips in his life were a trip to the Holy Land and a 50th wedding anniversary cruise with his wife and children. Wherever he went, Jim made friends. His honesty and natural goodness were evident every day of his life.

A man of incredible generosity and loyalty to friends, family, and strangers, Jim was known for his support of the people and groups he believed in. He travelled just to spend a day with widowed family friends, he supported many friends and family members and he gave generously to all. In honor of his gratitude for his own opportunity for education, Jim established 2 endowed scholarships at Texas A&M University, providing education and a future for young people he believed in.

A man of quiet yet implacable faith, Jim attended the Tomball United Methodist Church in his early years and later St. Cecilia Catholic Church.

Jim was preceded in death by parents, Anne Nichols Moseley and Alvis Moseley; and sister-in-law, Susan Berry Mount. He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 54 years, Sally; daughter, Susan Lofland and husband Len of Vashon Island , WA; son, James “Jeb” Moseley and wife Paula of McAllen, Tx; grandchildren: Mark Frantz, Zachary Stackhouse, Catherine Stackhouse and step-grandson, Daniel Lofland of Vashon Island, and James Moseley II, Austin Moseley, Katarina Moseley of McAllen; sister, Kay Tucci of Columbia, MD; nieces, Beth Bengermino and Rick of Woodstock, MD; Kathy Smith and Matt of Wellsboro, PA; Norah Erb and Ken of Norman, OK; Mariann Lawson and John of Norman, OK.

The family wishes to thank all of the caring physicians, nurses and professional staff in various doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms and beyond who cared for Jim as if he were a member of their own family without fail. We are so grateful for your presence through the last fourteen years of Jim’s life. You helped him be a cancer patient, but never a cancer victim.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Sunday, the 9th of November, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where a prayer vigil for Jim is to commence at seven o’clock.

The funeral mass is to be offered at eleven o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 10th of November, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Drive in Houston, where Most Reverend Vincent M. Rizzotto, Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Galveston-Houston is to serve as celebrant.

The Rite of Committal is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Jim’s memory may be directed to St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX, 77007; Angela House, 6725 Reed Rd., Houston, TX, 77087; or Charity Guild of Catholic Women, 1203 Lovett Blvd., Houston, TX, 77006.