James William Morris

James William Morris, age 85, passed away on July 9, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on July 24, 1940 to the late Alonzo Morris and the late Mary (Caldwell) Morris in North Vernon, Indiana. He was a member of Living Word Baptist Church for over 20 years and attended Seymour High School, class of 1958. On May 29, 1959, he married the love of his life, Bonnie (Haws) Morris and together, shared 67 years of marriage.

Jim was a hard working man, his first jobs were H. O. Canfield and later worked as a security guard at Cummins Engine. He was best known for working as a salesman at Sears and Roebuck in Seymour, selling goods and appliances. He later transferred to Lafayette Square, Indianapolis, selling TV's and Home Entertainment. During the 90's, James was a Park Ranger for Thousand Trails and in 2002 he retired while working for the Brownstown Juvenile Detention Center.

When the Civil Air Patrol needed a commander for their youth program, he took on the task and did an amazing job teaching them leadership skills, discipline, aerospace, and character. He once arranged for them to ride along on an Air Force flight along with various field trips. For 20 years, Jim served in the Indiana Guard Reserve, ultimately rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel as Company Commander of Company D, 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade. Later, he continued his tradition of active service involvement in the U.S. Coastguard Auxiliary.

In his 20's, he became interested in nutrition and physical fitness and nutrition, which he took very seriously. He purchased a bench press and set of weights and continued to workout for many years. The transformation he accomplished was amazing and an inspiration to others. Besides exercising, he enjoyed reading and studying his Bible. He enjoyed reading and watching war movies, especially "The Winds of War", with his sons. He loved taking his family to the Jackson County Forest for campfires and weenie roasts and then taking the scenic road home.

Jim loved to plan vacations, and took the real first family vacation in 1969 which started family traditions that has surpassed 50 years. His most favorite spot in the whole world was Panama City Beach, Florida, where he renewed his wedding vows on his 50th Anniversary.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Bonnie (Haws) Morris of Seymour, Indiana, three sons, Timothy Morris and his wife Bridgette of Atlanta, Georgia, Barry Morris and his wife Ann of Tarpon Springs, Florida, and Ben Morris of Seymour, Indiana. One daughter, Kathy Morris of Seymour, Indiana.

Nine grandchildren, Jesse (Kelly Sekiya) Stuber, Mick (Isenia) Stuber, James (Bethany) Fletcher, Joshua Morris, Brooklyn (Jacob) Brown, Trey Morris, Trenton Morris, Cindy Morris, and Noah Morris.

Five great grandchildren, Leela Stuber, Abbey Stuber, Emma Fletcher, Abigail Fletcher, and Adeline Fletcher.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Cindy Joleen Morris.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday July 15, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Christensen Family Funeral Home – Seymour Chapel with funeral services beginning at 1:00 PM with Pastor Bob Franklin and Rev. James Fletcher officiating. He will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery.

Family requests that memorials be directed to Red Sky Rescue.

Friends are invited to leave condolence messages for the family at www.christensenfamilyfuneral.com

Daniel and Betsy Christensen have been entrusted with the arrangements.