Photo courtesy of Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg
Leesburg, Virginia
Sep 25, 1948 – Dec 2, 2020 (Age 72)
JAMES HENRY MOSELEY II
James “Jim” Henry Moseley II, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully with his family at his side, Wednesday, December 2, 2020.
He was born September 25, 1948 to Martin Luther and Martha Jane Moseley in east Texas. He graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas in 1971, then moved to Washington, D.C. where he joined the U.S. Air Force Band and earned a Master of Music degree from Catholic University.
He married his wife, Rebecca Martin Moseley, in 1975. The pair raised two sons, Jason and Ben, and later in life “adopted” a third, Luis Miguel.
A talented musician, he played oboe and English horn with the U.S. Air Force Band for 30 years. He also played with countless professional ensembles during his time with the Air Force and well after his retirement. His years of playing allowed him to share his music with the world and make life-long friends. His greatest passion was imparting his love of music and the joy of double-reed playing to others, a gift which “Mr. Moseley” shared with hundreds of students over the course of nearly 50 years and until just three days before his passing.
Known for his countless black bags, embracing the latest technology, and his soft smile, he will be missed.
Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, his sons, their wives, two grandchildren, and a rich musical legacy.
Jim will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be planned for next summer, when a gathering of his family, friends, students, and colleagues can be more safely held.
Memorial contributions are welcome to support music education through the Shenandoah University Double Reed Fund:
SU Double Reeds
Prof. Stephen Key
Shenandoah Conservatory
1460 University Drive
Winchester, VA 22601
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Mr Moseley was a great teacher of mine. He always went above and beyond to helping students like me. My condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
Linnea Labs
October 08, 2021 | Vienna, VA | Student
Mr. Moseley was my oboe teacher for 8 years and he truly was one of those teachers that change lives. He was extremely generous with his reeds and his patience even if I (or the whole oboe section) didn't deserve it. I remember spending hours on a singular reed only to bring it Mr. Moseley who would fix it in 10 seconds. He was an incredible musician, mentor, and figure in the Mclean High School Band community. My condolences to the his family.
Eleanor Chinn
March 16, 2021 | McLean, VA | Student
Jim was always a rock to me when it came to sound advice while we were bout in the USAF Band. I only wish I could have seen more of hime before he left us. I wish his family well during this difficult time.
Steve Lawson
March 16, 2021 | ROCKVILLE, MD | Friend
Jim (Mr. Moseley) was our son's oboe teacher for several years, and we were brokenhearted to learn about his passing. We were always impressed with Jim's unfailing gentle and upbeat demeanor and generous spirit. He was a top-notch oboe player and teacher and was so gifted at explaining how to make beautiful music. We are grateful we got to know him and had a chance to spend time with him. Our sincerest condolences to Becky and family.
Sarah & Dave Gunnarson
January 05, 2021 | FAIRFAX STA, VA | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Susan Denniston
December 18, 2020 | Mineral, VA
Jim’s generously showed in many different ways. He impacted others in subtle ways. His kindness and calm spirit is what I admire most about Jim. My sincere condolences to Becky, Jason, Christina, Riley, Henry, Ben, Dee, Luis and Anna.
Mike Koscinski
December 16, 2020 | Leesburg, VA | Friend
Group of 10 Memorial Trees
Tina Le
December 14, 2020 | Chantilly, VA
Dear Becky, Jason, and Ben,
I enjoyed working with Jim many times as a fellow Oboist during the past 30 years. We were Military Band colleagues and also in the civilian world doing many gigs together. I was always humbled by his devotion as a teacher to young people. He sincerely cared about them and truly gave to them in many ways to make them successful. He had students that made it to the highest professional level and those just doing it for fun. He supported them all with his...
Mark Christianson
December 13, 2020 | Olney, MD | Friend
My deepest sympathies to the Moseley family. Mr. Moseley was not only my instructor, but a dear mentor. Looking back at my high school experience, he was my most trusted advisor and friend. I learned so much more than oboe and English Horn from him. His kindness and willingness to go above and beyond for others is a lesson I won’t forget. He calmed me in times of stress and encouraged me in times of opportunity. Thank you, Mr. Moseley.
Jessica Yu
December 13, 2020 | Washington, DC | Student