John D. Musgrave was born to Wilda (Bartlett) Musgrave and Robert E. Musgrave on May12, 1948, several weeks early and feet first. It was the first and last time he was early for anything, and there has always been speculation that the footling delivery instilled in him a passion for skydiving. Thereafter, he referred to an umbilical cord as a “ripcord.”
Growing up in Sugar Creek & Independence, MO, John’s early idols included his big brother, Kenneth, actor John Wayne, his dad, and all the other WWII veterans that lived in his community at whose feet he sat avidly listening to accounts of their war stories. There he learned about duty, honor, courage, and patriotism at a time when those qualities still stood in high regard, and they became deeply entrenched in his heart. Between those stories and the war movies he adored, the determination to serve in America’s military was firmly etched in his future and he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the tender age of 17. He said he “felt he owed his country for 17 years of freedom.”
An Eagle Scout in the tribe of Micosay, John’s early years were blessed with peace and countless friends, the most significant perhaps being Jay Van Velzen. They became as close as brothers, and devised many a misadventure together, including enlisting in the USMC at the same time. Jay said he couldn’t resist John’s signature siren calls, “Come on, Jay, it’ll be fun!” and “We owe it to ourselves!” The week before he arrived at boot camp, John attended church camp.
During his deployment to Vietnam, John learned firsthand about the realities of combat (horrific, not at all like the movies) and observed the betrayal of our government in the casual sacrifice of young Americans to no positive end. This shaped his political views profoundly and laid the foundation for his path to demand truth and accountability from our government in all such situations. John said he returned to a different country after his third, near mortal combat wound in 1968, which only added to his disillusionment, anger, and sense of betrayal. His forced medical retirement from the Marine Corps for disability in 1969 all but broke his heart and solidified his need to speak for his brothers who could no longer speak for themselves. Amid much opposition from family and community, John joined Vietnam Veterans Against the War and served as an activist, leader, and national spokesperson for many years. He was an active member of the POW/MIA movement for all wars until his death.
The most important truth about war John learned during his combat experience was the true meaning of love; that warriors do not actually fight for country, policy, or even freedom as much as they fight for each other. This love moved him to spend the rest of his life helping, counseling, guiding, and supporting combat veterans in all facets of their lives. An extraordinary extemporaneous speaker, John’s presentations were mesmerizing, eloquent, and inspiring, reaching varied audiences internationally. Many may be found online, even now, and are worth watching.
John dealt with his own PTSD, in part through skydiving and spent many years “giving his heart to the hawks” with friends and comrades. He was sorely resentful when his deteriorating physical condition required him to give up free fall, as well as the many adventures on his motorcycle he shared with family and his closest friends.
Writing turned out to be the second significant part of John’s healing from the brutal burdens of war after he wrote his first poem in the hospital following his return from Vietnam, and he earned his BA degree from Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS in 1973. Over the years, he published a book of Vietnam facts (with co-author Mike Clodfelter), as well as three books of poetry, one of which, “Notes to the Man Who Shot Me,” led to his receiving the Robert A. Gannon Award for Poetry through the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. His memoir, “The Education of Corporal John Musgrave; Vietnam and Its Aftermath,” was published in 2021 and was well received. John averred that “to tell the truth about combat is to cry out against war,” and he steadfastly did so in all his writings and public speaking.
John was honored to work with documentarians Ken Burns and Lynn Novick on “The Vietnam War,” released in 2017, as a featured speaker, appearing in seven of the ten episodes. He considered that experience one of the highlights of his life and had tremendous respect for the work and integrity that went into the series, he was indebted to Ken and Lynn for this gift and many others.
Aside from the births of his children, the most profound moments of John’s healing occurred during his return to Vietnam in 2019, and again in 2023, the result of so many kind-hearted friends and benefactors. During the first visit, he declared at Con Thien, “There’s no place for me here now,” retrieving a huge piece of his soul to bring back home. He came home from the second visit a more centered, more complete man. The family can never adequately express their deep thanks to all the people and generous benefactors who made this happen for John.
John loved his family, his buddies, the USMC, history, movies, books, music, his Honda Goldwing, skydiving, being at sea, travel, more books, anything sweet, pot roast with mashed potatoes and brown gravy, his house, Mexican Cokes, so many books, and dogs. He gave credit to his many dogs for maintaining his sanity during different life chapters, at least once preventing him ending his life. It’s impossible to imagine him without a dog by his side or, more likely, in his lap.
John and his second wife Shannon (Woods) Musgrave made wonderful team, marrying in December 1998 and blending their families. He and Shannon traveled together, wrote together, helped host workshops for veterans and their families, and lectured about PTSD together. Mostly they laughed together until tears ran and counted each other as best friends for eternity.
John’s last years were joyful, reflective, and full of love. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Lillian Rose Arnold, his parents, sister-in-law Barbara Musgrave, and beloved friend Jay Van Velzen. He is survived by his brother, Ken Musgrave of Grain Valley, MO, in-laws Pat and A.D. Woods of Baldwin City, KS, sons Daniel Musgrave (Stephanie) of Morris, MN and Rye Musgrave (Rachel) of Lawrence, KS, youngest daughter Madeline Roger (Nate) of Baldwin City, KS, several cousins, niece Kendra, nephew Robert, and six beautiful grandchildren (Elsie Ward, Eleni and Cora Musgrave, and Addy, Andy, and Ally Growcock), in whom he delighted.
John’s physical life ended at home surrounded by his family, his pets, and abiding, immutable love.
A memorial event will occur on Saturday, June 27th at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS, 66044 from 1pm to 4pm. Private inurnment with military honors at Leavenworth National Cemetery will occur later this year. Many thanks to the staff at Midland Care for support and hospices services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Lawrence Humane Society or a veteran’s assistance program of your choice. Please join us in celebrating the amazing life of this extraordinary man. Come on, now, it’ll be fun! And, you know, you owe it to yourselves…
I have had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people, none more interesting and memorable than John. He followed his heart in joining Vietnam Veterans Against the War amid much criticism and left the organization about three years later for the same reason. He told me “I was giving a speech and realized I was speaking about an organization that no longer existed” saying “it had become radicalized and some of its leaders had become politically opportunistic.”
He endured as much criticism for leaving VVAW as he did for joining it. One hateful letter when he left accused him of being “anti-communist.” His sense of humor is evident in what he told me next with a little grin,” … as if that is a bad thing.”
I am sad knowing John is not in this world, but I will remember him forever and be grateful I had the opportunity to know him and write much about him so others could appreciate the amazing man he was.
I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.
I feel like just a quick glance in a crowded room when it comes to John. We met at the Greene County Jump Center south of Baldwin in the late 70’s. I remember clearly some of the experiences of Viet Nam John and a fellow Vet named Mike would share with each other in between jumps. But I never heard him say anything about his wounds. I found that out watching the Ken Burns documentary. John touched a lot of lives in his travels and I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him. It’s interesting that of all the people a person meets during life, there are just a small percentage of them that you never forget. I guess John was that way to a whole lot of people. My condolences to the family and friends of John Musgrave.
Thought i would try to contact John to tell him of remembering him from my Miller’s shady rest in Ozarks. Was stunned to see he passed, and very sorry I didn’t tell him what his shaggy haired, almost terrifying visage, meant to an 11 year old boy. Thus was post vietnam for him, and I remember him playing ping-pong barefoot and shirtless, with the bullet holes and scars visible especially on the back. He scared the hell out of me, but was as nice as could be, and I remember my uncles in conversation with him about the war, and all 3 of the former ww2 vets changed the way they saw vietnam. Will never forget John.
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John and I served in different branches of the service, but his deep commitment to all veterans, and particularly those who came home with the physical and emotional wounds of combat remained his highest passion throughout his life. John read his poetry many times as a guest in Brian Daldorph’s writing circle at Douglas County Jail when I ran programs there. He was a powerful healer of troubled souls. He has found the gift of peace.
For anyone wanting to see John talk about his poetry I suggest Chris Snipes youtube John Musgrave video, a little more than 45 minutes long. John had asked me if I knew of anyone who could do a short video of him talking about his poetry. Chris Snipes readily agreed. We shot the video at my house.
I sent a message but it did not appear. My heartfelt condolences to John’s family. John and I were friends at Van Horn High. We were in drama club and worked on several plays. We were involved in other activities also. Like many others I lost touch with John when he went to Vietnam but I watched his story unfold in the Ken Burn’s Vietnam series. I was so moved by his story and I contacted him several times to ask if he couid talk some time. I am so sorry I did not have the opportunity to talk to him again. I am so honored to have known him. He was a special person. Rest in peace dear John.
I sent a message but it did not appear. My heartfelt condolences to John’s family. John and I were friends at Van Horn High. We were in drama club and worked on several plays. We were involved in other activities also. Like many others I lost touch with John when he went to Vietnam but I watched his story unfold in the Ken Burn’s Vietnam series. I was so moved by his story and I contacted him several times to ask if he couid talk some time. I am so sorry I did not have the opportunity to talk to him again. I am so honored to have known him. He was a special person. Rest in peace dear John.
My deepest condolences to John’s family John and I were friends at Van Horn High. We were in the Drama Club and worked on several plays together. Like many others I watched John’s story unfold in the Ken Burns Vietnam series. I contacted John a few times to ask if we could get together when I traveled to KU but I never received a reply. I wish I had been able to talk with him. He was a very special person and i feel honored to have known him. So sorry to hear he is gone. Rest in peace dear John.
John Musgrave was a good friend in high school and I remember many good times together. His advocacy for military veterans was so commendable and will be his legacy forever. God bless him and his family.
My condolences to John’s family and friends. I remember John from his Ottawa University days. Walking slowly in his customary jacket with wavy dark hair framing his face, he appeared deep in thought. It was not until later that we realized John was deep in brilliant thought, walking his truth.
My condolences to John’s family and friends. I remember John at Ottawa University. Slowly walking, dark hair around his face and jacket shoulders, John often appeared deep in thought. It was not until later that we realized he was deep in brilliant thought. John lived his truth.
Dear John, what a man!! God bless you on your way to the stars. Earth will never be the same. What an inspiration you were. May your remember us as we remember you so that we will always be connected in spirit and in all time. We cannot do without you, John. God speed in restful flight.
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John.
The last time I saw him was at a lunch we shared at a small restaurant in Baldwin City. We reminisced about our times at Ottawa University (I graduated from Ottawa University in 1972) and brought each other up to date on what we had been up to career and family wise.
I had seen him give a brilliant oration at the Celebration at Union Station
in Kansas City..
And, of course, I saw him in the extraordinary
Viet Nam Documentary by
Ken Burns in which he was prominently featured. Every time I heard him speak I left
so impressed and with the utmost admiration and respect.
A few years ago I was honored by Ottawa University with its prestigious Distinguished Service Award. At the conclusion of the ceremony and banquet, I was encouraged to submit a formal nomination form for someone I thought deserving of consideration for that same award in the future. It didn’t take me but a moment. John was my clear cut choice. I spent the next few days throughly researching John’s background and considerable accomplishments. No doubt,
he was a man of integrity, conviction and action and he had led a “life of significance.” He has impacted the lives of so many in such a positive and meaningful way.
During my lengthy career I had the good fortune to interact with some of the nations best and brightest from so many varied fields including the military, government, forensics, academia, law enforcement,
first responders, private security, homeland security, the legal field, corrections, etc.
I rank John right up there with the best of the best.
I know it is cliche to say “thank you for your service.”
But John I want to thank you
for a lifetime of exceptional
service to and love for your country. You are a true “difference maker” and one of my heroes.
John sounds like an interesting, complex man with a kind heart.
I met my brother John in January 1972 at the Peace center in Kansas City Missouri 39th and Broadway. It was the height of the anti-war movement Johnny was right on top of it all then come the summer of 72 we were involved with Cairo, Illinois boycott and all black community in Illinois. Johnny led the Way the organization. Vietnam, Veterans Against the War and we stopped that War my brother we will meet again at some point in the future. I love and miss your life. Your sincere commitment to Veterans and in life in general. I love your brother Johnny the VAW forever.
Adios, old friend!
John Musgrave: A war hero. A peace hero. The quality of my life soared to heights I’d not imagined because I was fortunate to meet John and to know him, his story, and his writing. He visited several of my classes at KU over the years, sharing experiences and poems. Students were always profoundly moved, educated, transformed. Bless John Musgrave. Bless Shannon Musgrave and the entire Musgrave family. Please accept my condolences with Respect and Love.
Dear Shannon and family and friends, so very sorry for your loss. I know John will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace.
Deepest condolences to the Musgrave family. John was known and admired by many. His books and poetry, as well as his support of all veterans, has a lasting impact on the world. Know how deeply he loved you all, and what family meant to him. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, humor and caring heart.
God bless John Musgrave. His story, storytelling, and affect were compelling and made me think far deeper than ever before about Vietnam.
My sincere condolences to the Musgrave family. The other day while visiting my local library I came across the book” The Education of Corporal John Musgrave”. I couldn’t put it down. I was not at all familiar with his story. What a remarkable man he was. His story will live on with me and I will recommend it to my family and friends. I wish I could have met him.
I remember John who work at the Lawrence Unemployment Service for Veterans on 9th St a very long time ago he was a pleasant person with sense of humor. I wasn’t aware of his work and notoriety back then till time passed and his stories became more public. Rest in Peace 🇺🇸🙏🏻🫡
To Shannon and Family. I am sorry for your loss. John and I became friends in 1986, both working for Western resources/Westar energy/Evergy. I will miss chatting with him. And visiting. He was a true friend. Prayers to you all.
Sincere Condolences Thoughts and prayers for the family God Bless
Sincere Condolences Thoughts and prayers for the family
I have no words, I am so very sad. It was truly an honor to know John and be in his beautiful presence. His death leaves a huge hole in our hearts and in our world. Rest now Shannon and John!
It has been a sincere honor to have known John and to have been considered among his friends. Thank you for sharing him with the world. We traveled so many places and walked with some of our greatest heroes together. I hope he knew that we considered him one of the very best of those heroes. Few Americans could articulate quite as well as John what it meant to be an American, the benefits, but also the responsibilities. He was one of the best orators this great country ever produced. He also certainly walked the walk. The world is so much the better for having had John in it. How lucky we were to have been able to share part of it with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We will miss him forever. Russ & Carla Wetzel & family – Festival, Festival Family, Freedom Fest
I am sorry for your lost. This world l8st a good man and Marine
I am saddened to hear this. My condolences to his family. Gunny and I were friends as students at Ottawa Univ. I valued our friendship, his principles and his service to our country. Years later, when we re-introduced ourselves to each other, I admired his thoughtfulness, convictions and his creativity. His death is a loss.
I met John in college. He was an honorable, compassionate person that looked for the good in others and he share his convictions with a strong will. John made the world a better place. RIP
My condolences to the family. I met John a couple of times many years ago through a mutual friend. He was an honorable man with deep convictions and proud of his service to this country and the men and women of the military. Especially those he served with during his tour of duty. May he rest in well-earned peace.
Shannon my heart breaks for you and your family. John will always be one of my personal heroes. May he rest in peace.