James "Jim" Mossman Obituary

James Mossman, 96, of Lebanon, passed away July 10, 2025, at Homewood Health Campus in Lebanon.

James Robert Mossman was born on March 21,1929, to Ralph Carey Mossman and Georgie Mott Mossman. He was affectionately called “Jim Bob” by his much older siblings, Martha Mott Klepfer and Jack Mossman, who precede him in death. Jim spent his childhood in Vincennes, Indiana, and was graduated from VHS in 1947. He studied at Butler University where was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He then served in the army during the Korean War as a Military Police Officer in Garmish-Partenkirchen, Germany. 

Jim met the love of his life, Marcia Florence Keller, also from Vincennes, at one of her Saint Rose Academy dances. After four years of courtship and his deployment overseas, they married on Valentines Day, 1953. Over the next 10 years they had seven children, all of whom survive.

At the invitation of his brother Jack, who was the General Manager at The Lebanon Reporter, the couple moved to Lebanon, Indiana, shortly after their wedding. Jim spent the next 41 years learning the newspaper trade, working in nearly every department from advertising and production up to General Manager and Managing Editor, retiring as Publisher. He was known for his fairness, competence, wit and good humor by his employees, colleagues, and many friends. He and his wife opened a picture framing business in the 1960s to fund their children's college educations.

During these years Jim was active in his church, coached Little League baseball for 15 years and St. Joseph’s School basketball teams, and was a past president of Indiana Republication Editorial Association, and former member of Hoosier State Press Association. He retired from his newspaper career in 1994 but continued to serve the community in many ways.

Jim was a member and president of the St. Joseph Pastoral Council and finance committee, a member of The Boone County Community Foundation Board, and a volunteer driver for Boone County Senior Services. He served as president of Lebanon Kiwanis Club, president of Boone County Chamber of Commerce, and president of Lebanon BUFFY (Boone United Fund for You). Jim was honored as the 4th of July Parade Marshall in the year of his retirement. 

Jim was an avid Indiana University basketball and football fan, enjoyed crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and Bridge. He loved Big Band music and enjoyed many years of ballroom dancing with Marcia and their circle of Continental Dance Club friends. As a member of Ulen Country Club, Jim and his friends played many rounds of witty and pleasurable golf.

Jim and Marcia were happily married for 68 years until her passing in 2021. They created a close and loving family environment that continues to endure. Their children include Mark Mossman, Michael (Katie) Mossman, and Matt (Teresa) Mossman all from Lebanon. Also, Michele (Dick) Threlkeld, Thorntown, Meade (Caren) Mossman, Orland Park, IL, Merrick (Kriste) Mossman, Indianapolis, and Maury (Kim) Mossman, Oakland, CA. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 15 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon St., Lebanon. The Rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. and a tribute with eulogy from 7:30-8:00 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 16, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 319 E South Street, Lebanon, followed by interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. A funeral dinner will be served by the Women’s Club of St. Josephs at the Parish Hall following interment.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association https://donorservices.alz.org, or St. Josephs Parish, 319 E South St, Lebanon, IN 46052.

You are invited to visit the website where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message at www.strawmyerdrury.com.