James Carson Mossman

James Carson Mossman was born March 2, 1945, in Emporia, Kansas, to Earl and Dorothy Carson Mossman. He passed away at his home on January 14, 2012. Jim was the youngest of 23 cousins that grew up in Kansas. Jim enjoyed spending many hours with his family at their cabin on the lake. He loved fishing, hunting and playing pitch the most. Jim's parents owned a grocery store in Emporia where he learned to butcher and process meat. He also spent lots of time on the Carson Family Farm where he learned the value of hard work and the fun of country life. Jim graduated from Emporia High School in 1963. He attended Kansas State University before entering the United States Army in 1968. He served in the Defense Communication Operations Unit in the basement of the White House and traveled with two presidents. Jim was on duty in Chicago during the riots of the Democratic National Convention. Anyone who knew Jim knew he had his own opinion of how this story was "reported". After being honorably discharged in 1971, Jim graduated from Emporia State University with a business degree.
Jim came to North Park in 1975 with a GTO full of blue-tick coon hounds. He introduced himself to many local ranchers by offering to hunt bears or other predators off their ranches. He went to work for his brother in law, Bus Avery, hauling coal for Kerr Coal Company. He later became an "every-man" for Kerr Coal Company. Jim met, fell in love with and married Shannon on May 4, 1979. He worked for the mine until his death. He was a jack of all trades, loved to tinker, and loved to visit with friends. Jim loved guns of any kind and was an excellent marksman. He mentored many children in shooting and gun safety. He loved taking his children and their friends hunting and fishing. Jim enjoyed playing cards - as long as you played by his rules. He was active in a variety of community programs including Little League Baseball, 4H Shooting Sports, FFA, high school sports, and numerous other programs.
The pride and joy of Jim's life were his children. If you wanted to spend hours visiting with Jim, just ask him about his children. He was extremely proud of all four of them. Jim was also an honorary father figure and mentor to many children besides his own in the North Park community.
Jim is survived by his wife Shannon; children Jason Mossman of Greeley, Captain John E. Mossman U.S. Army, currently serving in Afghanistan, Cole Mossman of Golden, and Jessica Mossman of Greeley; his sister Earlena Avery and husband Irving Bus Avery of Colorado Springs, his two nephews Aaron and Andy Avery and niece Heidi Avery, all of Denver. Jim is also survived by numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and many, many wonderful friends.
A funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2012 at North Park Community Church, Walden, Colorado. Interment with military honors will follow at the Jackson County Cemetery.
A Jim Mossman Memorial Account has been set up at the Mountain Valley Bank to benefit the 4H Shooting Sports Club. Please visit bohlenderfuneralchapel.com to send the family online condolences.