James Joseph "Jim" Morris' Obituary
James Joseph Morris passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, after many months of illness. He was born in Chicago to Merle and Gertrude Morris, on April 17, 1934. He grew up in South Haven, Michigan where he was an outstanding athlete earning a four-year college scholarship in tennis and holding a long-standing record of highest scorer in basketball. He served in the USAF from 1953 to 1957 during the Korean War where he was a crew chief on a B-37 and played on the Air Force tennis team. After he left the military, he earned a BA from WMU and an MA from MSU.
Jim was adventurous, ambitious, and had to stay active. He continued his tennis career at WMU and was very proud to wear his WMU Championship ring. Jim was an excellent fisherman and was one of the earliest charter boat captains on Lake Michigan when the salmon were first planted and operated the Margie J Charter business for many years. He was very proud that both of his sons and grandson were charter boat captains too. He was a ski instructor and taught dance with Arthur Murray. He enjoyed wintering in Florida where he fished, boated, and dove. He remodeled his home extensively, installing skylights, numerous windows, building a large deck and a huge storage barn to store all of his toys.
Jim was a very talented and innovative teacher and principal. He taught and coached in Cadillac and was a principal at Oakridge Wolf Lake Elementary. He loved his students as well as his teachers who still speak highly of him. He made school fun by playing his guitar and singing “Goober Peas” during assemblies and created the “Wolf Lake Waddlers” for his staff.
Family was very important to Jim. He was married to his first wife Marge for over 30 years until she passed in 1986. He was married to his wife Bonnie for almost 35 years, and she survives him. He has two surviving children: Kevin (Nicole) Morris from Washington-Australia and Drew (Kathy) Morris from Norton Shores. He also has four grandchildren: Michaela (Brian) Remick from Australia; Christopher (Megan) Morris from Roosevelt Park; Danielle (Arturo) Vasquez Morris from Seattle; and Emily (Dylan) Styburski from Battle Creek; and has two great-grandchildren, Oliver Remick and Isabella Vasquez-Morris. He has three surviving siblings: Joan Wheeler from Gobles, Marian Slentz from South Haven, and Jack (Sally) Morris from Bloomingdale, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Marge, his son Tom Morris, and his parents.
Jim was a good man with a ready laugh, who loved his family and life. Rest in peace, Jim Morris. You lived a good life, and you were loved.
Jim did not want a service, instead, there will be a Celebration of Life this summer at his home for family and friends. He loved parties, and this one will be in his honor.
MEMORIALS to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100
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