Every year at the Hamilton Community Foundation's Annual Meeting the David L. Belew Legacy Award is presented to an individual or family who have made significant contributions of time, talent and resources to improve the quality of life in our community.  This year, Judge John R. "Jack" Moser was selected as the recipient for 2018.

Jack Moser was born on March 5, 1927 in Hamilton, Ohio and attended Hamilton City Schools, graduating in 1945. Jack served in the United States Army – including one year in the European Theater of Operation. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Technical Sergeant Moser earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University in 1950. He attended law school at the University of Cincinnati, earning a Doctor of Laws degree in 1953. 

Jack and Shirley Keats created a “Miami Merger” in 1952 – they celebrated 66 years of marriage this past June. They have three children – Linda, Janet and Donald, 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  

Jack began his legal career with the firm Marrs, Bruewer, Moser and Masana.  In addition to his private practice, he worked as an assistant prosecutor from 1957 through 1964. His private law practice continued to grow, until 1979 when he was appointed as a Judge of the Butler Court of Common Pleas. Judge Moser became presiding judge in 1991 – a position he held until 1998. Judge Moser retired from the bench in 1999.

In addition to his legal work, Jack served as Chairman of the Butler County Republican Executive Committee from 1960 through 1978.  When Jack began his tenure as Chair of the Republican Executive Committee, there were few Republicans holding elective office. Jack is credited with building the foundation for today’s Butler County Republican Party.

Jack began his tradition of service early in life as demonstrated in his accomplishment of becoming an Eagle Scout at the age of 16.  Since that time, Jack Moser has continued to be an outstanding citizen, volunteer and community leader. Jack has served on numerous committees and boards. In retirement, Jack earned the designation as a Master Gardner and has used this skill – and lots of hard work – to help beautify our community in many ways.

Jack Moser has been recognized for his contributions many times, ranging from his selection as Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Young Man in 1959 to his induction into the Butler County Business Hall of Fame in 2004.  Earlier this year, because of his hard work, dedication and generosity a park was dedicated in his name on Heaton Avenue.

In addition to giving freely of his time and energy, Jack and Shirley have been generous in giving back financially to this community. In 2001 the Mosers provided the funds for the Hamilton Gateway sculpture that graces the plaza of the One Renaissance Place and the Government Services Center.

The Mosers have given generously throughout the community, including at the Hamilton Community Foundation where they have a scholarship fund and are members of our Legacy Society. Jack served on the Foundation Board from 2003 through 2012 – serving as Board Chair in 2010. Jack was a great Board member – curious, engaged , dedicated and wise. He helped guide the Foundation during some critical decisions that positioned the Foundation to be the driving force in many positive changes in this community.

Previous recipients of the David L. Belew Legacy Award includes:  David L. Belew, Parrish Family, Joel and Marilyn Schmidt,  Ralph “Pat” Carruthers, Joseph Marcum, Fitton Family, Thomas B. Rentschler and the Wilks Family.