Obituary of James F. Morris

“There in one family we all belong. Love, Bless, Serve.” Jim’s statement on his personal business card. Life of Advocacy and Service to all whom he met; a man who spent his heart with reckless abandon.

James F. Morris was born in Bremerton, WA, on November 12, 1934 to Joseph and Marie Morris. James died on December 26, 2019.  Susan L Thompson, his wife of 36 years, married on June 17th, 1983, brought one child into the marriage, Jonah Thompson and together, Jim and Sue and the family were blessed with Michael Morris their youngest child.  His former wife, Elizabeth Keating, is mother to Joseph Morris, Andrew Morris (deceased), Louise Wraith, and Gabriel Morris.

Jim retired in 1989 from the US Postal Service after 33 years which included service in the USMC as a young man.  He started his second career at the SW Washington Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Vancouver, WA. He worked there for 10 years becoming the Executive Director.  He worked tirelessly for many years with the Governor’s Committee on Disability and Employment Issues (GCDE) Chair Emeritus. He also served on the Poverty Action Board in Seattle for several years. He was employed at the Capital Recovery Center until his death and had so many ideas and insights and blessings in this work there.  He also expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities and joys he experienced in this work.   

He is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, Joe Morris (Deirdre) of Mercer Island, WA, Gabriel Morris (Jenna) of Anchorage, AK, Jonah Thomspon (Kara) of Tacoma, WA, and Michael Morris (fiancee Bev) of Portland, OR; daughter, Louise Wraith (Robert) of MT; brother John “Jack” Morris (Lisa); sisters, Marie Anderson of Gig Harbor, WA, Peggy Milnes of Seattle, WA; Cabrini Gamache (John) of Sequim, WA; and former wife, Elizabeth Keating of Anchorage, AK, 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. James was predeceased by both his parents; son, Andrew Morris; brothers, Tom Morris (Rose) and Robert Morris (Laura); and sisters, Kay Miller and Ann Hunziker.  Jim was a loving and delighted grandfather, a humbled and joyful great-grandfather.  As an Uncle to many he blessed and was blessed. Beloved brother-in-law to Greg Thompson (Heidi, friend) and Tommy Thompson (Patty).

A service is scheduled on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at 1601 North St. SE, Olympia WA. All are invited to lunch after the service, where we will have the opportunity to share.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Capital Recovery Center, 1000 Cherry Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501.