United States Navy Chief James Calvin Moser, age 75, passed away on January 22, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was born on February 7, 1950, in Yuma, Colorado, to Cleo Noel and Mildred Mae (Newland) Moser.

James was raised on his family’s dairy farm in Yuma, where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and dedication—qualities that would guide him throughout his life. He was a proud graduate of Yuma High School. Following graduation, James answered the call to serve his country, beginning a distinguished career with the United States Navy in 1969.

During his 20 years of United States Naval service, Chief Moser served aboard several ships, including the USS Reasoner (1971–1974), USS Coral Sea (1975–1977), and USS Kitty Hawk (1983–1986). His assignments also took him to a variety of duty stations, including serving as an instructor at Naval Training Command at Great Lakes (1977–1978), Naval Air Station San Diego, California (1986–1987), and Navy Recruiter Station Little Rock, Arkansas which he was based in Enid, Oklahoma as a Chief Navy Recruiter (1989–1991). After two decades of honorable service, James retired in 1991 with the rank of United States Navy Chief.

In November of 1989, James married the love of his life, Glenda. True to their adventurous spirit, the couple eloped to Arkansas without telling their children, a story that would later become a cherished family memory. In 1993, they made their home in Sparks, Oklahoma, where they shared a loving life together until Glenda preceded him in death in June of 2020.

After his United States Navy career commitment, James was ready to enjoy his retirement following his military career. But he was immediately blindsided by his wife Glenda (Nanny) when she secretly enrolled him in the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma located in Chickasha Oklahoma. This started his new adventure in his continued lifelong commitment to service and education. Of course, with Nanny’s determination and help he graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. He went on to teach mathematics at several schools, leaving a lasting impression on countless students through his patience, knowledge, and steady encouragement.

James had many interests and passions. He was an avid gun and knife collector, enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, and was known for his craftsmanship and attention to detail. Above all, he was a devoted and compassionate caregiver to Glenda throughout her ten years of health challenges, a role he embraced with quiet strength and unwavering love. He treasured family gatherings and cookouts, where laughter and conversation filled the air. Children were always drawn to him, and his greatest joy came from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Papa” and “Papa Jim.”

James was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Glenda Faye Moser; his brother, Eldon Lee Moser; his son, Bruce Wayne Brinson; his granddaughter Brittany Shadell Dache Brinson and his grandson, Michael Cain McLaughlin.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sister, June Brannon of Florida; his children, Darla McDonald and her husband, Todd; Jamés Prescott and her husband, Steven; Dianna Boeckman and her husband, Duane; and Bret Brinson and his wife, Florence; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends.