Obituary of James Thomas Morgan

After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, James Thomas (“JT” or “Tom”) Morgan passed peacefully on March 26, 2019 with family members by his side in Lacey, Washington.  Tom was born on January 9, 1930 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He spent much of his childhood in southern California.  He joined the US Navy at age 16, serving in Guam, the Philippines, Hawaii, Kwajalein, and other ports on the West Coast, including NAS Whidbey, where he reared his four children.  After retiring from the Navy, he graduated from Western Washington State College, and later went to work in law enforcement, probation, and patrol. He earned a Master’s in law enforcement from Pacific Lutheran University.  While living in Oak Harbor, Washington (1960-1978 and 1982-1999), Tom led Boy Scouts of America Troop 62 for many years.  He was active in the Whidbey Playhouse in Oak Harbor and in the Wade James Theater in Edmonds, Washington, appearing in multiple plays over the years. In 1999, he and Jan fulfilled a life-long dream of moving to Hawaii, where they lived in Waianae and Kapolei until 2017.

Tom is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jan Henry; son, Daniel Morgan of Oak Harbor; son, Michael Morgan (Mary) of Mount Vernon, Washington; daughter, Judith Williams (Richard) of Stanwood, Washington; stepchildren, Kim Henry Baumgartner (James) of Mukilteo, Washington, Laura Henry Slye (Ken) of Ridgefield, Washington, Jeff Henry (Celeste) of Aloha Oregon, and Aaron Henry of Anacortes, Washington.  He also leaves six grandchildren, Cole Morgan (Jessica), Sarah Morgan, Marlaina Morgan, Michael T. Morgan (Katie), Morgan Williams, and Turner Williams; and five step-grandchildren, Alex Walker (Kristin), Elya Henry Stinnette (Tommy), Jadon Henry (Carly), Laurissa Henry Bybee (Kalib), and Jenna Henry.  He is survived by his brothers, Timothy and John, and his sister, Margie. Tom was blessed with eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, William “Tommy” Morgan; his sister, Shirley; his parents, Arlie and Ruby Morgan; and his former wife, Anne Williams Morgan.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. at South Sound Manor, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.  A celebratory luau in Tom’s honor will follow. Luau attire is appropriate.