John Mosser
John Mosser – A Well-Known and Respected Businessman
John Mosser is an renowned and esteemed businessman with many years of experience under his belt.
This business specializes in dry goods and boots/shoes. Additionally, it operates a private bank.
Early Life and Education
John Mosser was a decorated former military officer who grew up in the suburbs of Chicago before attending Princeton and serving on the front lines during World War II in France. After serving his country honorably during this conflict, Mosser returned home and embarked on his career in politics.
He went on to graduate from Yale and practice law in Portland, Oregon. Additionally, he served in the Oregon Legislature, representing Washington County from 1957 until 1966.
He recently accepted a position at Bentley University as vice president for development, corporate and alumni relations. In this capacity, Mosser will spearhead the medical school’s philanthropy efforts. He will create an overarching strategy to diversify and grow the school’s philanthropic resources through major gifts, planned giving, support from corporations and foundations. Together with the leadership team, faculty, staff members create value-added experiences for students while increasing engagement opportunities with alumni, community leaders and philanthropic partners.
Professional Career
As a college student at West Virginia University, Mosser was part of the Mountaineers cross country team. But in 1969-70 he switched to indoor track and made history by winning 1,000 yards at the NCAA championships in Cobo Arena, Detroit.
Mosser earned NCAA All-American status and was a four-time NCAA qualifier in the mile, making him one of WVU’s greatest distance runners ever. Additionally, he qualified for the 1972 U.S. Olympic trials in 800 meters as well.
Mosser spent the next two decades working in higher education fundraising. During that time, he led college and university advancement programs and campaigns across America while also cultivating philanthropic cultures within universities by working closely with corporate and foundation partners to promote academic excellence.
Achievements and Honors
John Mosser is an accomplished athlete and educator. At Benson High School, he earned 7 letters in baseball and football; later on at Omaha University where he earned 8 letters.
He was an exceptional Human Relations and Multicultural Education teacher, helping schools incorporate Black History, American Indian History, Chicano-American History and Asian American History into their curricula.
On June 26, 2008, Staff Sergeant Mosser led a patrol through an extremely restricted zone and came under intense fire from high-angle automatic and sniper weapons. Despite his own risk, he shielded and moved a wounded Marine away from danger zone, allowing them to recover and provide first aid.
Personal Life
John Mosser had been a dedicated mail carrier in Slaton, Texas for 45 years. Despite the hardships of rural life, he always delivered the mail promptly and securely to his customers.
He had an immense devotion to his family and friends, as well as being active within the church community by serving as Eucharistic Minister and Adult Acolyte.
Jonell Mosser, his daughter, credits her father with helping her conquer stage fright and organize a band in high school. This enabled her to pursue music professionally and earn her bachelor’s degree in theater at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
She is renowned for her powerful vocals and songwriting talents. Her repertoire encompasses country, blues, and pop songs which she has performed at venues such as the Nashville Performing Arts Center, Grand Ole Opry, and Red River Valley Music Festival in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Net Worth
John Mosser was born in Danville, Illinois and raised in the family shoe business. During WWII he enlisted in the US Navy and worked as a mail director in Hawaii before founding Mosser Capital with an aim of driving social and economic improvement for communities where it operates. John also serves as co-founder of Mosser Companies – West Coast leaders for urban workforce housing communities – while serving as Chief Executive Officer.
John Mosser passed away on November 6, 2021 at 92 years of age. Survived by his children Jani Piercy (Jim) of Champaign, IL; Susie Hodde of Indianapolis; Tom Mosser (Sandy) of Lafayette; as well as eight grandchildren, John will be missed dearly.