Jim Mosley

James G. "Jim" Mosley, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Jackson, Alabama on January 13, 2026, with his loving wife of 60 years, Betty, by his side. He is deeply missed and leaves a legacy of inspiring generations of students to share his passion for music.

He was born on October 4, 1942, in Newton County, Mississippi, the only child of James and Warrene McMullan Mosley. His love and aptitude for playing music was evident early in life and was influenced by his father, who like Jim, was also a career band director, and his paternal grandfather, who was the mandolin player in the Leake County Revelers, a popular old-time country string band which toured and recorded in the 1920s and 1930s. Jim played trumpet in his school bands from 5th-12th grade as well as in the East Central Junior College band and as a member of the Pride of Mississippi - The University of Southern Mississippi marching band. He also was a part of several local rock bands in the 1950s and 1960s in high school and college, playing piano and drums and providing backing vocals.

After completing his baccalaureate degree in music education, he began his teaching career as the band director for Frisco City High School in 1964. He married Betty Kinard in 1966. Jim accepted the call to serve his country in 1968 in the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He played trumpet in the 60th Army Band in Louisiana and served as bugler for The Big Red One Band in Vietnam.

In 1970, Jim and Betty made their home in Jackson, Alabama where he was the band director for Jackson High School, and later, Jackson Middle School until he retired in 1996. They had two daughters, Karen and Jamie, and the family traveled extensively across the U.S. in an RV during the summers. Family was an important part of his life and he also enjoyed competing in bass fishing tournaments as a longtime member of the AlaBigbee Bassmasters Club and playing piano and singing at events as part of Mayton's Western Swing Band. He completed a master's degree at The University of Alabama and was an avid supporter of the Crimson Tide's athletic teams.

Jim is survived by his wife Betty, and his children Karen Bright (Eric) and Jamie Mosley, as well as four grandchildren, Justice and Allora Bright, and Rindy and David Michael Holder.

Pallbearers are Don Kinard, Eric Bright, David Michael Holder, and Tony Thomas.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 16, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Lathan Funeral Home, and the graveside service, officiated by Reverend Dusty Coward, will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Louisville, Mississippi at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17.