Dr. James David Moser

Dr. James David Moser, 72, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on February 16, 2026, surrounded by
his loving family. A beloved pediatric ear, nose, throat, head, and neck surgeon, David devoted more
than four decades to caring for children and supporting the families who trusted him through their
most difficult moments.

In 1995, he became Nemours' first physician in Orlando after selling his private practice, helping lay
the foundation for Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida, which opened in Lake Nona in 2012. Along
the way, he also served as Chairman of the ENT, Head & Neck Department at Arnold Palmer Hospital
and was the youngest-ever Chief of Staff at Orlando Health, overseeing 11 hospitals while continuing
to operate and see patients full-time. He later chaired the ENT, Head & Neck Department at Nemours
and was honored as the Alfred I DuPont Physician of the Year in 2007. He was blessed with a special
gift that he nurtured in his career from a young age, beginning at Charity Trauma Hospital in New
Orleans and including a Head & Neck Cancer Residency at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital in New
York City. He was named among the "Best Doctors in America" for 22 years by Orlando Magazine,
but it was the testimonial of colleagues and patient families that he valued most. To colleagues, he
was a mentor and steady voice of wisdom; to families, he was a calm and reassuring presence who
never forgot that every case – no matter how big or small – mattered deeply.

Beyond medicine, David's greatest pride was his family. David was born in Shawnee, OK and spent
his childhood in Wichita, KA, followed by a move to New Orleans, LA where he combined his
Midwestern values with Southern ones. It was only right that he married another Southerner, Van. He
was a devoted husband to Van for 38-years, after meeting through a mutual friend and getting
engaged doing one of their favorite activities – on the golf course. He was an immensely proud father
to his daughter, McCallen, and equally loving of his son-in-law, Pratik. You could often find the three
of them talking about food and planning for their next meal together. Becoming "Papa Doc" to his
cherished granddaughter, Tilly, brought him immeasurable joy. Her laughter and vivacious spirit lit up
his world, and they both couldn't help but dance whenever music was on.

Though often the quiet observer, David was known for his quick wit and perfectly timed one-liners that
could steal the show in any room. His humility, generosity, and humor left a lasting impression on
everyone who knew him. Wherever he went, someone would stop to thank him for caring for their
child - a testament to the thousands of lives he touched.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma Grace Moser and Charles H. Moser. He is
survived by his loving wife, Van Noe Moser; his daughter, McCallen Moser Thakral, and her husband,
Pratik Thakral; his beloved granddaughter, Matilda (Tilly) Grace Thakral; his brother, William Dennis
Moser; his sister-in-law, Lynn Noe Sahlin and brother-in-law, Robert N Sahlin; and his extended
family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke's United
Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, Florida. The family will be establishing a
legacy contribution fund in his memory at Nemours Children's Hospital.

David's life was defined by compassion for others, quiet strength, and deep love for his family. His
legacy lives on in the children he healed, the colleagues he guided, and the family who meant
everything to him.