John R. Broadhurst, Jr.

John Richards Broadhurst, Jr., 75, of Highland, Illinois, passed away on March 8, 2026, at home, surrounded by his family.

Born in Dalhart, Texas, on June 3, 1950, to John R. and Henriette (née Wingate) Broadhurst, Sr., John spent his early years in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Salt Lake City, Utah. It was in Utah that he developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors, earning the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of twelve. After graduating from Scottsdale High School and attending a year of military school, he enlisted in the United States Army.

John’s military service spanned twenty years and was marked by extraordinary dedication and bravery. He completed two tours in Vietnam totaling thirty-four months, earning the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Silver Star, and Bronze Star for gallantry in combat. His career included assignments at Ft. Bliss, Ft. Gordon, Ft. Bragg, Ft. Sill, and Ft. Riley, as well as several years as a combat instructor in Germany. While stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas, he met his wife, Kate. They married on July 27, 1987, and continued their service together in Germany before his retirement in 1989. The family later moved to Michigan and eventually settled in Highland, Illinois, where they welcomed their son, Jacob, in 1992.

In retirement, John became a respected figure in the Cowboy Action Shooting community under the alias “Hassayampa John Mossman.” He helped establish the Single Action Shooting Society at the Highland Pistol-Rifle Club and was honored as a SASS Regulator and Jedi Gunfighter. He lived by the creed “Ride Hard, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth” and remained a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the NRA, the VFW, and SASS. Above all, John was a devoted family man, a decorated veteran, and a mentor to many.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn “Kate” (née Haislar) Broadhurst; his son, Jacob William (Victoria “Tori”) Broadhurst; his granddaughter, Bowen Kathryn Broadhurst; and his cousins, Mary Dorothy, Toby, Darla, Bill Rhea, Mary Frances, Joyce, Linda, Mary Jane, and John.