James C Moshier

James C. Moshier

September 15, 1946 – October 10, 2026

A Life of Love, Service, Adventure, and a Little Mischief

James C. “Jim” Moshier lived a life that could never be described as ordinary. He was a proud Marine, a devoted husband and father, a loving grandfather, a talented craftsman, a loyal friend, and a man who believed that if something was broken, he could fix it—and if someone needed help, he would find a way to give it.

Jim was born on September 15, 1946, in Dearborn, Michigan. His early years were not easy, and circumstances placed him in the foster care system at a very young age. But at nine years old, his life changed forever when, through the Big Brothers program, he met Fred Ditsch and his loving wife, Ruth. They welcomed Jim into their home and, more importantly, into their hearts. They gave him the love, stability, and guidance that would shape the man he became, teaching him the importance of honesty, integrity, hard work, and family.

They also gave him a little sister, Judy (Mayle), and the two quickly mastered the fine art of sibling torment—always accompanied by a lifetime of love.

At 18, Jim proudly volunteered for the United States Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of Corporal and served as a helicopter crew chief during two tours in Vietnam. His service was marked by courage, determination, and an extraordinary ability to keep things running under the most difficult circumstances. Twice, his helicopter crash-landed, and twice, Jim used his mechanical skills and sheer determination to help get his aircraft and crew safely home. His duties also included washing Agent Orange from the helicopters after missions, an exposure that would have lasting consequences.

Following his honorable discharge, Jim joined his family in California, where he attended Merced College, studied animal science, and trained as a farrier. His love of animals, especially horses, led him to own several beautiful Arabian horses.

It was in California that Jim met the love of his life, Loretta. When they married, Jim not only gained a wife but also an instant daughter, April DeSalles, whom he welcomed as his own. Together, Jim and Loretta built a life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and more than a few adventures.

Remembering the kindness that had changed his own childhood, Jim wanted to give other children the same chance. Over the years, he and Loretta opened their hearts and home to more than 40 foster children. It was his way of honoring the love Fred and Ruth had given him—a beautiful example of how one act of kindness can ripple through generations.

Their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Ruth, and they made their home in Modesto, California.

Jim's commitment to his community was as strong as his commitment to his family. While living in Modesto, he took it upon himself to fight neighborhood graffiti, often heading out in the middle of the night to paint over it before the morning sun could reveal it. He believed that taking pride in your community meant rolling up your sleeves and doing something about it.

In 2005, Jim and Loretta moved their family to Santaquin, Utah, where he continued his tradition of community service and making friends wherever he went.

After what he jokingly considered his third retirement, Jim went to work as an activity bus driver for Nebo School District. It became one of his favorite jobs. He loved driving students and teams throughout Utah, sharing stories, cheering them on, and becoming part of their adventures. He developed a special affection for the bagpipers, who held a particular place in his heart.

His beloved bus, 12-A, became something of a legend, easily recognized by the magnificent handlebar mustache proudly displayed on its front. It was pure Jim—a little humor, a little personality, and a wonderful way to make people smile.

Eventually, Jim retired for the fourth time, although retirement never seemed to mean slowing down.

He poured his energy and creativity into his business, White Feather Rocks, where he practiced silversmithing and lapidary arts. He had a gift for turning ordinary stones into beautiful treasures, and he especially loved sharing his knowledge with schoolchildren and Scout groups. Nothing made him happier than seeing a child's eyes light up with curiosity.

Of course, some of the best memories made at the rock shop had very little to do with rocks. His grandchildren will always remember the legendary water bottle fights, with Grandpa chasing them around the shop, laughing and making memories that will last a lifetime.

During the final months of his life, Jim found a wonderful new circle of friends among the members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Club. He quickly grew to love every one of those riders and was deeply touched when they came together to help move his heavy lapidary equipment home. Their friendship, kindness, and brotherhood meant more to him than they could ever know.

After ten successful years, declining health finally convinced Jim to close White Feather Rocks. Although he stepped away from the business, his curiosity, creativity, and desire to stay busy never left him.

Jim was truly a man of many talents. He could build just about anything, repair almost everything, and figure out the rest. Throughout his life, he worked in insurance sales, owned a vending machine business, served legal papers, cared for animals, drove buses, and created beautiful jewelry and stonework. He was never afraid of hard work and would take on just about any honest job to provide for those he loved.

He loved Australian Shepherds, John Wayne movies, a good adventure, and the satisfaction of a job well done. His faith and love for the Church brought him great comfort and strength throughout his life. He believed in serving others, keeping his word, and doing what was right, even when no one was watching.

But above all else, Jim loved his family.

He had a special talent for making Loretta's wishes come true. Whether it required building something, fixing something, finding something, or dreaming up a solution no one else would have considered, Jim would find a way. Making her happy was one of his greatest joys.

Perhaps the most beautiful example of Jim's love came during the final chapter of his life.

Knowing that his health was declining, Jim quietly set about making sure Loretta would be taken care of. He worked to leave her debt-free, made certain the house was in good repair, and even saw to it that the cars had new tires. He wanted nothing left undone that might become a burden to her.

It was Jim's final project, and perhaps his most meaningful.

He had spent a lifetime building, repairing, protecting, and providing. Even as his own strength faded, his thoughts remained with the woman he loved and the family he would leave behind.

That was Jim. Love wasn't simply something he said. It was something he did, every single day.

On October 10, 2026, Jim peacefully completed his earthly journey at home, free from pain and surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren, just as he had wished.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Loretta; his daughters, April DeSalles of Modesto, California, and Ruth Nelson of West Jordan, Utah; and his cherished grandchildren, Joshua DeSalles (Sheryl) of Sacramento, California; Julia Gonzales(Raymon) of Modesto, California; and Ryder, Connor, Olivia, and Hailey Nelson.

Jim's legacy cannot be measured simply by the years he lived, the jobs he held, or the things he built. It lives in the children who found safety in his home, the students who rode his bus, the friends who knew they could count on him, the grandchildren who laughed and played with him, and the family who never had to question how deeply they were loved.

He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, countless treasured memories, and a reminder that the true measure of a man is not what he accumulates, but what he gives.

And Jim gave generously.

His hands were rarely still, his heart was always full, and his love will remain with us forever.