Mr. James W. Morris, age 74 years, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away Thursday, July 5, 2012 at his home.

Jim was born on February 10, 1938 in Eugene, Mo. a son of Ottis and Dorothy Dean Hayder Morris.  He was married on September 30, 1959 in North Carolina to Doris M. Koelling, who preceded him in death on September 23, 2010.

A resident of the central Missouri area for the majority of his life, Jim graduated from Eugene High School.

After high school he served in the United States Navy from June 18, 1956 until May 11, 1960.

Jim was employed as a prison guard at the Missouri State Penitentiary for several years and later worked as a security guard at Tracker Marine in Clinton, Mo. until his retirement in 1996.  After his retirement he moved back to Jefferson City.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1894 in Clinton, Mo. and the B.P.O. of Elks, Lodge 513 in Jefferson City, Mo.

Jim’s favorite song was “Good Old Mountain Dew” and he enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels.  Most importantly, he loved spending time with friends, family, and his dog, Pebbles. 

Survivors include: one son, Jimmy O. Morris and Crystal of Clinton, Mo.; two daughters, Tammy L. Johnson and Bill of Chilhowie, Mo. and Cindy M. and Francis Evers of Jefferson City, Mo.; one brother, Audley and Polly Morris of Eldon, Mo.; one sister, Rose Marie Schillpp of Kansas City, Mo.; six grandchildren, Crystal Emrick and Joel, Joshua Emrick and Ashley, Stephanie Morris and Clint, Rusty Olson and his fiancée Khrystina, Trey Olson, and Jake Kaullen and Amanda; and eight great-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Alexa, and Sadie Jones, Joseph and Keegan Emrick, Vince, William and Katelyn.   

He was preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy Smith; and five brothers, Gail Morris, Melvin Morris, George Morris, Danny Morris, and John Morris.

Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 until 12:00 noon Monday, July 9, 2012.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 noon Monday, July 9, 2012 in the Freeman Chapel with Chaplain Jeremy Caudel officiating.  Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held at Spring Garden Cemetery near Eugene, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jim Morris Memorial Fund.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.