Jake Mossman

Jake R. Mossman, Sr. of Taos, New Mexico passed away on October, 20th 2011 at his home in Taos. He was born to Bertha Cisneros (Questa, New Mexico) and Jake R. Mossman on January 8th, 1934 in Elizabeth Town, New Mexico. He was raised in Questa by his maternal Grandparents Beatrice and Fermin Cisneros, and graduated from Questa High School in 1953. Jake enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January, 22nd 1954 and served his Country for 3 years, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal among other awards and decorations while he served as a Drill Instructor in the 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, San Diego California. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps in January of 1957, Jake Sr. married the love of his life Elvira Linda Martinez of Taos on February 11, 1957 in Taos, New Mexico at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. With Linda by his side Jake Sr. moved to California where he worked at Ryan Aeronautical Corporation in San Diego before deciding to move back to New Mexico to attend college at Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico where he received a Bachelors Degree in Education with postgraduate mathematical endorsements and credits from Western New Mexico College and Washburn University of Topeka, in Topeka Kansas. Jake Sr. started his teaching career in Cubero, New Mexico where he taught 3 years. He also taught 3 years in Penasco before settling at the Taos Municipal School District, where he taught for 20 years at Taos Junior High School. Mr. Mossman had a strong and positive influence over many students in Northern New Mexico and could always be heard in conversation talking about his pride in the hundreds of students he had the privilege of teaching over the years. Jake Sr. had many interests and hobbies he cultivated and mastered over the years, they included; Boxing (amateur boxer in the Marine Corp), Coaching Taos Junior High School Girls Basketball, Oil Painting, furniture making, carving, building homes and small business ventures. Jake Sr. was a proud father and his three children meant the world to him. His son Jake Jr. was his number one as he would describe Jakie when talking to others. Jake Sr. spent the majority of his days in the past years at Taos Pharmacy helping his sons business and greeting customers as he made deliveries of prescription medication for the homebound of the community. His only daughter Carla was truly a gift to her father and blessed him with three of his dearest grandchildren. Carla lived near her parents and was always there when her father needed something. Jake Sr. was also very proud of his third child and son Jason. He supported his youngest child when he made the decision to join the United States Air Force, and was there for his retirement 25 years later to honor his Master Sergeant son. Jake Sr. also took much pride in taking credit for Jasons talents as he would sit on the Santa Fe Plaza during Summer Spanish Market in Jasons booth and tell anyone who would listen that he taught his son everything he knew Grandpa Jake shared his pride with all his grandchildren and often bragged of their accomplishments and good looks. He most recently walked his granddaughter Angela down the aisle in her marriage to Patrick on October 1st, 2011. Grandpa Jake never missed a birthday party, and celebrated with his grandson Julian Conner and the rest of his family on October 16, 2011 for Julians 7th birthday. Mr. Mossman was also a much respected member of the Taos community and was honored in an October, 2004 Taos News article by Kathy Cordova titled Already accomplishing a lot, Jake Sr.s energy and optimism know no end. Jake Sr. was also honored as one of Taos Unsung Heroes in the community during October, 2008. There is so much more to say about Dad, Grandpa and Mr. Mossman and if you knew him, your life is probably better for it. God Bless you Dad. Jake Sr. is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elvira Linda Mossman, Jake Mossman Jr. (Becky his wife), Carla Mossman, and son Jason R. Mossman. Mr. Mossman is Grandfather to Nicholas Mossman (Jamie his wife), Angela Romero-Martinez-(Gonzales)(Patrick her Husband), Joshua Conner-(Captain, United States Air Force), Kayla Conner, Kyle Mossman, Isaac Gonzales, Alicia Gonzales, The Twins- Isaiah and Madelyn Mossman and Great Grandfather to Julian Conner-Martinez, Camille Mossman, Cameron and Collin Gilmour. Rosary was recited on October 24, 2011. Funeral mass was held on October 25, 2011. Both were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment followed at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jake Mossman Sr. scholarship Fund, care of Taos Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1925, Taos, NM 87571 or by clicking on their webstie www.taoscf.org