John Moss

The chariot arrived for our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Rev. John (Jack) A. Moss, of Easthampton, Massachusetts on Winter Solstice Sunday, December 21, 2025. John was born in Princeton, Indiana on December 11, 1925, the beloved son of Rev. Norman M. Moss and Ethel Adams. He was 100 years and 10 days old when he passed away.

John was a proud Vermonter, a loyal Ohio Wesleyan alum, and a graduate of Yale Divinity School. He was a career United Methodist missionary, serving for over 48 years in Japan. He and his wife, Hatsumi, worked as a dynamic duo to develop a strong Christian community in Niigata, Japan. They supported local pastors, worked with youth, began a Christian retreat center, and played a leading role in establishing Keiwa Gakuen, a private Christian high school in Niigata. “Moss sensei” was highly respected and loved in Japan. Throughout his working years and long retirement, support for mission organizations and social justice causes was vitally important to John, including proud participation in No Kings protests in the final year of his life. He defied medical odds by surviving double pneumonia as a toddler during the Depression, bacterial spinal meningitis in his 40’s, several heart attacks, a severe bacterial infection in his hip, and a spectacular fall down the deck stairs at his former South Hadley home. He seemed to have a charmed life, barely avoiding catastrophes and missed plane connections.

Using their own hands, John and his family built a log cabin camp on the shore of Schroon Lake in the Adirondacks in the 1940’s that has provided respite and recreation for many years. This past summer, he enjoyed rowing in the cove, sometimes giving a tired dragonfly a restful ride. He also treasured summers at a cabin on Lake Nojiri in Nagano, Japan. Both lakeside locales afforded opportunities to swim, sail, hike, and explore nature. His love of people, curiosity about the world, sense of humor, and gentle but strong character made him a friend to many. His church family and his friends at the Lathrop community in Easthampton meant so much to him. During the last days, John was busily signing his 250 Christmas cards that would be mailed around the world.

John appreciated art, culture, history, and music. He fondly recalled playing the tuba in the high school band. At the age of 99, he played the shepherd’s pipe that he made at age 8 for his grandson’s wedding processional. John loved to sing camp songs, hymns, and choral anthems with others, and at home his CD player was usually playing classical music or the Robert Shaw Chorale in the background. Up until his final few days, John happily spent much energy and time on his extensive postage stamp collection. He looked forward to receiving letters from others, and always noted the stamps on the envelopes, carefully saving and “processing” any unusual ones. In the past five years, he filled five binders with his stories, memories, favorite poems and jokes. He loved Japanese food and always had room in his second stomach for dessert.

Most importantly, John loved his family. He is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, Patricia & Randy Roeser and Carolyn Moss & Dan Hawkins, who treasured time spent with him. “Grandpa Jack” was very proud of his grandchildren and their

spouses, Allison (Britt), Jeff (Ashley), Genevieve (Lev), Jackson (Grace), Arthur (Rose) and Matt (Camilla). He was actively engaged in their lives. He was also delighted to spend time with his great-grandchildren, Ellery, Finley, and Juliet.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hatsumi, whom he married on August 8, 1953. They had 66 wonderful years together. He was also predeceased by his three older sisters, Jean, Barbara, and Peggy, who all made sure “Johnny” would not be spoiled.

John’s strong Christian faith imbued him with a deep inner peace and an irrepressible joy for life that lifted the spirits of all who knew him. He greeted each person with a cheery “Hi, ho” and delighted in the simple blessings of daily living, exclaiming, “How ‘bout that now!” During the final hour of his life, he left us with one last piece of wisdom:“ When the chariots come for me soon, remember your faith and remember the good times.”

His family and friends have felt truly blessed to have been part of John’s life.

“Gokurosama.” Well done, good and faithful servant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to John’s favorite nonprofit, AFARI (American Friends of Asian Rural Institute), 2028 E. Ben White Blvd. Suite 240-9000, Austin, Texas 78741-6931or online at www.afari.net

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Hope United Methodist Church, 31 Main Street, Belchertown, Massachusetts 01007. Light refreshments will follow. 

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