Col. John D. Mooneyham, 83, passed away on February 22, 2025.
Born in December 1941, John came from humble roots in Dumas, Texas. He earned a basketball scholarship to Panhandle A&M University in Goodwell, Oklahoma, where he played power forward until a knee injury cut his athletic career short. John joined the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and quickly found his calling. John was the Distinguished Graduate of his unit and shipped off to Infantry Officer Basic Course in 1964.
Colonel Mooneyham’s military career spanned nearly 30 years with service in the Far East, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and domestically. He was known as a “Soldier’s Soldier”. Regardless of his assigned unit, Colonel Mooneyham was known for putting his men first. He qualified as a Green Beret, Ranger, Combat Diver, and Master Parachutist. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. The first, in 1966, was with the 101st Airborne Division, 2/502 Parachute Infantry Regiment as an Infantry Platoon Commander. The second, in 1969, was with the 1st Cavalry Division as an Infantry Company Commander. For his bravery on the battlefield, Colonel Mooneyham was awarded the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars with ‘V’ Device, and three Purple Hearts for injuries sustained in combat operations. The bond shared with his soldiers, especially those of the 2/502nd, remained especially strong throughout his life. He loved nothing more than being in the company of the heroes he served with in combat.
In August 1990, Colonel Mooneyham was serving as a Foreign Area Officer at the US Embassy Kuwait City, Kuwait. When Iraq invaded its neighbor to the south, hundreds of United States Government employees moved to the embassy, seeking safety and protection. Colonel Mooneyham was instrumental in providing security, food, and logistics in support of mission personnel, including his wife and youngest son. When the Iraqi regime recalled all American personnel to Baghdad, Colonel Mooneyham assisted in the coordinated movement of hundreds of vehicles over a 650-kilometer trip, expertly navigating Iraqi checkpoints and dangerous road conditions. After a harrowing two-week stay in Baghdad, many Americans were allowed to return stateside. When given the opportunity for early release, Colonel Mooneyham informed his captors he was obligated as the Senior ranking military member to be the last person out of Iraq. He was held as a Prisoner of War for almost four months, providing much-needed moral support and encouragement to his comrades in arms. John returned home for Christmas in 1990 but quickly returned to the Persian Gulf, serving on General Tommie Frank’s staff due to his expert knowledge and familiarity with the region. Colonel Mooneyham assisted in the planning and execution of one of America’s most resounding military victories during the Persian Gulf War.
After his military career, John continued service to his country. He was appointed as an Honorary Colonel for the 101st Airborne Division and assisted soldiers deploying and returning from combat. Additionally, he served as Post Commander for Veterans of Foreign War Post 7720 in Cornelia, providing leadership and assistance to his brothers and sisters in arms. Colonel Mooneyham was honored to be inducted in the Georgia Military Hall of Fame in 2015.
John attended Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville and the First Baptist Church in Cumming. He went on several mission trips with friends to the People’s Republic of China and Jamaica, spreading the love of his Lord and Savior to those oppressed. When asked if he was worried about traveling abroad, he replied, “God got me through two tours in ‘Nam, detention in Iraq, and a war in Kuwait – I don’t think he will forsake me now.”
John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ellen (née Dixon); son Jonathan and wife Lisa; son Nathan and wife Christy; six grandchildren (Lauren, Jonathan, Caitlin, Ethan, Maycee, and Owen); sister Paula Pitcher and his faithful companion Pickles.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville. Interment will follow the service in Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or at woundedworriorproject.org or to Grant Reeves VFW Post 7720, 174 Cornelia Crossing Shopping Center, Cornelia, GA 30531, please memo Wreaths Across America.
An online guest book is available for the family at hillsidememorialchapel.com.
Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel and Gardens, Clarkesville.
