Command Sgt. Major John "Jack" F. Moss, Jr.

 CSM John “Jack” F. Moss, Jr.

Jack Moss, Jr. was born August 10, 1937 in Minneapolis, MN and passed away on November 3, 2010 at the age of 73.

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Army for 27 years.  He spent time in the 82nd Airborne, assigned to the Special Forces Group and served as a Military Policeman in the Far East during the Vietnam Era.

After retiring from the Army, Jack joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division and worked as a Correctional Officer for 17 years.  He retired as a Correctional Officer from the Gatesville Crain Unit in August 1999.

After retiring, Jack enjoyed traveling in his RV with his wife, Christine, and their dogs.  He enjoyed fishing, camping and barbequing ribs for his family, and friends in the neighborhood.

A celebration of Jack’s life was held on November 9, 2010 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  Present were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter.

The celebration began with the playing of recordings of The Old Rugged Cross and The Ballad of the Green Berets.

Full military honors were rendered by a United States Army Honor Guard.  The bugler played taps followed by the firing of three volleys of fire by the rifle detail, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Honor Guard then folded an American Flag into the traditional triangle and presented it to Christine on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, in thanks for Jack’s dedicated service to his country.

Jack’s step-son, Jamie, then read passages from Psalm 23 and told of his memories of Jack.  Two of his step-daughters shared their memories.  One of them told the gathered family and friends that when she would get sick, Jack would make her split pea soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.

The celebration concluded with Jamie and a female companion singing  Amazing Grace.

A Patriot Guard Rider then played Amazing Grace on the bag pipes.

Command Sgt. Major John Moss, Jr. was then laid to rest in an area at the base of the hill set aside for the burial of cremains, and the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, four step-children, their spouses, six grandchildren, two sisters and many other dear family and friends.

“A Soldier’s Poem”

“Our lives are built upon a framework
The framework of privilege and freedom
Purchased through the blood, sweat and tears
Of our soldiers, these brave men and women.

A soldier’s heart has known courage
For they’ve placed liberty before their own life
And in solemn decision committed
To preserving the rights due mankind.

Leaving the comfort and safety of loved ones
Entrusted with a high and noble purpose…”

“For a soldier’s honor doesn’t end with their death…
HONOR becomes their eternal legacy

An inheritance left to this earth and mankind
Of the blessings of freedom and peace”