John Robert Mosby

With much sadness we inform that John Robert Mosby passed away February 19th. Johnny was born April 26, 1929 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Lydia and John Mosby. This is where his Journey and colorful life began. He began singing as a child. His dad and uncles would often times pay him a nickel to sing, while they played instruments, so he could buy ice cream. He moved to Orange County, CA, before he was a teen and there he began to conquer the world. Johnny graduated high school and then entered the Seabee division of the U.S. Navy, right at the end of WWII. He did his time and when he returned home he began his life with a new bride and a new music career. One of his earliest gigs was for Cal Worthington in Orange County. He played all around LA at night and worked construction during the day. He loved to build houses and continued to do so until he could no longer. For many years, he built during the day and sang with his band at night. He divorced his first wife and met his 2nd wife, Jonie at the famous Palomino Club. Together they set off on a successful career as Country Music Recording Artists, known as Mr. and Mrs. County Music. They recorded over a dozen albums on various record labels such as Challenge, Topa, Columbia and Capitol. It was while recording for Capitol, He and his wife Jonie won two Academy of Country Music awards in the sixties. He was also a life time member of this Academy and served as president for two years in the early 1980's. But back up a little... Johnny and Jonie loved to tour, but wanted more, so they bought a club to play in while at home. This club (Honkey Tonk) was the infamous Ban Dar night club in Ventura, CA where it was not unusual to see fellow country artists like Willy Nelson drop in. Johnny owned and operated the Ban Dar for over 42 years! During this time of being a successful businessman, Johnny kept singing with his band and building homes. He also became a commercial certified pilot, and owned two different planes. On top of all that, he obtained his contractors license and had his own construction company. Hobbies he enjoyed included golf and going to Vegas!

This is of course a simplified summary of Johnny's life. But all who knew him, know many details and have lots of wonderful stories. He was loved and admired by many, especially his children. He was blessed with Candy and Randy, and their children, from his first wife Barbie. And, Tammy, Tracy, Lindy and John from his second wife Jonie. He also had devoted grandchildren Colby, his wife Becca and their children Mason and Molly Mosby; Casey and her husband Brian and their children Zoey and Marlee (Tammy); Natalie (Lindy and Loren Nodolf), Tanner, Megan and Morgan(Tracy). He had no children with his third wife, his beloved Shirley, who preceded him in death. Johnny was a force. He was wise, funny, charismatic, strong, generous, compassionate, charming and respected by many. We will miss him dearly and love him always.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the Ventura Medical Community, and especially to Doctor John Schrock for helping ease his transition. We will celebrate his life on March 11th, 2018, at the Ventura Beach club, 281 W. Main St., in Ventura, beginning at 2:00 P.M. There will be a jam for any musicians who would like to pay tribute and play a little. Bring a dish to share and Hope to see you there!

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home.