James "Jim" Morley

Jim was born in St. Paul, the only son with two older sisters and two younger sisters. His childhood was typical for kids growing up in the 1950’s. He loved playing with neighborhood friends and over the years his family had great memories at the family cabin on Lake Hubert. He graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in 1968. His first car, an orange Dodge Charger, was his pride and joy.

He worked for Deluxe Corporation from the age of 17 to his retirement. He started in the mail room and ended his career as a Senior Product Developer.

He and Connie married in 2002 and loved raising their blended families together. It was always a full house and fun times on the holidays when everyone would get together.

He passed away on July 7, 2023, at home in Maplewood, at age 72, with his family by his side after a sudden diagnosis of Glioblastoma.

Jim loved to play guitar and listen to his oldies music. He became an accomplished painter and even had his art chosen to be displayed at the Minnesota State Fair in 2022. He had a real passion for painting Native American artwork. Jim loved traveling with his wife Connie and some of his favorite adventures included Berlin, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Grand Canyon, and yearly winter trips to Florida. This last September he loved being in the countryside of Ireland and Scotland.

Jim was a very supportive dad and grandpa. He loved going to watch a wide variety of his grandkids’ sports and activities including soccer, ski jumping, horseback riding, gymnastics, band concerts, dance recitals, track, and chess tournaments. He was always one of their biggest supporters. He loved taking the grandkids out on his boat and was delighted in fishing and catching frogs with them.

Jim was known as being the kindest, most gentle, and welcoming person. He loved hosting parties and cooking food for each occasion. He found the good in everyone and everything. He was easy going, dependable and the first to offer help to anyone who needed it. He was a member of Transfiguration Catholic Church and lived his life as a devoted Catholic.

Jim is preceded in death by son Chad Shellabarger, sibling Peggy Selander, nephew Tim Selander, brother-in-law Al Myers, and parents James and Madeline Morley.

He is survived by his wife Connie, children Jenny (Jason) Pauley, Holly (Cameron) McLelland, Stephanie Shellabarger (Dan Chapman), Emily Morley (Shannon Ross), Alyssa (Neil) Ballis, Betsy Morley (Tyler Paulson), 17 grandchildren, Jamison, Jordan, Madison, Cassidy, Alexa, Addie, Braydan, Aiden, Ellie, Nora, Ava, Elin, Lila, Samantha, Aubrey, Liam and Oliver, siblings Mary (Mike) Gaida, Pat Meyers, Jeanne (Jim) Gerlach, brother-in-law Mike Selander, dear friend Greg Rohow, and many other loving nieces, nephews and family and friends.

A visitation for Jim will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home, 2195 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, Minnesota 55125. A funeral service will occur Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 6133 15th Street North, Oakdale, Minnesota 55128, with a visitation one hour prior, starting at 9:30 AM. Inurnment will follow at Union Cemetery in Maplewood, MN.