James L. (Jimmy) Mosher, 86, died Dec. 22, 2010, at the Veterans Hospital in Biloxi, MS after a short illness. He was born and lived in Presque Isle, ME except for the last year when he lived with his daughter and family in Biloxi.
Mr. Mosher was a WW II Combat Veteran and was awarded The Bronze Star, Distinguished Unit Citation, Combat Infantryman Badge, WW II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and both the American and Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbons. He fought in the China, Burma & India Campaign. A member of ""Merrill's Marauders"" his unit became famous for its deep-penetration missions behind Japanese lines. In slightly more than five months of combat, the Marauders had traversed more jungle terrain on their long-range missions than any other U.S. Army formation during World War II. ""Merrill's Marauders"" is the parent of the 75th Infantry Regiment, from which descended the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Jimmy was employed by the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad for over 40 years. He worked in various positions including baggage master; freight shed foreman, and member of section crew. Jimmy was a long time member of the Grant Memorial United Methodist Church as well as a member of the Star City B.O.P.Elks Lodge #1954. Jimmy will be remembered for his wit and infectious smile. He could be counted on for a joke or banter as an usher at church or playing snooker at the Elks or just talking to visitors on the porch at his home on South St. During his time in Biloxi, he became a regular at the Cedar Lake Waffle House in Biloxi where he was known as Mr. Jimmy.
Jimmy was predeceased by his wife, Florence Parks. He will be missed by his daughter Donna Thomas and her husband Ted; his son Steve and his wife Angelique, his grandchildren James E. Mosher, Faye Thomas Black, Benjamin Mosher, Kenneth Thomas and Denise Lang and five great grandchildren, Cameron Dick, Emily Dick, Isabella Dick, Claire Mosher, and Meredith Mosher and many nephews and nieces.
At Jimmy's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral. A memorial and celebration of his life will take place in the spring. Donations may be made in Jimmy's memory to the Ronald McDonald House of Bangor 654 State Street Bangor, ME 04401 in the name of Florence and Jimmy Mosher.
Mr. Mosher will be sent from the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road in Biloxi, to Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church Street, Presque Isle, Maine, for services and burial.
For more information, please call Duncan-Graves Funeral Home at (207)764-0625.