John M. Moses

John Murtha Moses Indianapolis – John Murtha Moses, 71, passed away from cardiac arrest quite unexpectedly on November 20, 2021. John was born July 6, 1950, in Charleston, West Virginia to Anne Murtha and Thomas William Moses, both of whom preceded him in death. John spent most of his formative years in Minneapolis, where his fun-loving personality and fondness for mischief led him to 4 years and a diploma (with distinction) from St. Thomas Military Academy, St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1969. After attending Boston University for 2 years, he transferred to the University of Colorado, where he earned his BA in Political Science in 1973. After college, he came to Indianapolis where the Moses family had moved in 1969. He and his brother, Tom, spent some time honing their carpentry skills, living in the "Gate House" and keeping a running tab at the Stable Influence. Despite John being a newcomer to Indianapolis, he was quick to gather a large and devoted circle of friends. During this time, John met and married the late Julia Lathrop. John and Julie had and are survived by their two children, T.A. (Moira) and their daughter, Noelle, of Indianapolis; and Collin (Steven) of Minneapolis, and their two children, Piper and Acre. Though John and Julie divorced in 1987, they remained friends who loved and respected one another, working as a team to raise their children until Julie's death in 2009. This spoke volumes about both John and Julie's kind and gentle spirits. John later married Jennifer Justus and they divorced in 2020. He spent a few years working for Baker McHenry & Welch Mechanical Engineers before deciding to attend law school. John graduated from Indiana University School of Law in 1980. John was selected by his classmates to speak on behalf of the graduates. This was not an academic honor, but, for lack of a better term, a popularity contest. An exhaustive search would be unlikely to find anyone who did not like John Moses. John joined the law firm of Clark & Clark in 1980 under the tutelage of his friend, mentor and hero, James C. Clark "Coull" who passed away earlier this year. John later became a named partner in the firm, Clark, Quinn, Moses, Scott and Grahn and remained with the firm to the day of his death. John's 41 year career as a criminal defense attorney made him a very well-known and well-liked fixture among judges, prosecutors and law enforcement alike. He was known around the City County Building as a snappy dresser, but he was best known for his kindness. John would have left this world a very wealthy man were it not for his exceedingly generous tips, and an extraordinary amount of pro bono work. John Moses loved to offer up a crisp hundred-dollar bill as a tip in a restaurant, or to a random passer-by who is clearly in need. His nieces and nephews loved to see him reach into his pocket at Christmastime! The many good deeds bestowed by John went mostly unnoticed because he did them for the best of reasons. John's generosity was silent and stealth, he touched more lives than any of us will ever know and if he touched yours, smile and be thankful for his kind of goodness. There is always so much more to say than can be put down in a few column inches but try to remember the handsome guy on the sidelines for decades of Colts games – lucky enough to live every football fans dream. John lived at least nine lives, and ten proved to be just one too many. John is also survived by his brother, Tom Moses (Laurel), and sisters, Timmie O'Brien (Hayes), Betsy Moses and Mary Moses Cochran (Ken), many nieces, nephews, and cousins too many to count. John's family would like to thank Ellen Fitzgerald Kane who came into John's life in his final months and brought him so much joy. We will never forget you. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory can be directed to the organization of your choice or to: The Hundred Club ATTN Pat Early 3925 River Crossing Parkway. Indianapolis 46240 Family and friends are invited to celebrate John on Saturday November 27th from 2 to 5 pm at the Woodstock Club, 1301 West 38th Street, Indianapolis.