James “J.R.” Edward Morris, Jr. passed away peacefully on October 28, 2024, at the age of 63, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on December 7, 1960, in Castroville, Texas, J.R. was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
He was the son of James Edward Morris, Sr. and Betty Ann West Morris-Buechler. J.R. graduated from Devine High School in 1979 and continued his education at TSTI in Waco, graduating in 1981. After completing his studies, he moved to Houston, where he began his career with Brown & Root.
On January 11, 1981, J.R. met the love of his life, Melinda, at a dance in El Campo. They married on August 21, 1982, and together welcomed three children, creating a home where love and laughter echoed through the years—along with occasional yelling.
After the birth of their first son, J.R. was hired by Mobile Oil at the West Ranch in 1984, later transferring to High Island Mobile Exploration Offshore, where he made lifelong friends. In 1996, he joined BP Chemical, now known as INEOS Nitriles, where he dedicated 29 years of service, culminating his career as Operations Shift Manager.
Alongside his wife, J.R. founded Morris Builder Custom Homes in 1996, developing much of North Park Estates. Their final project was their dream home in Inez completed in 2023.
J.R. was known for his strong work ethic, having started his first job at just 12 years old, sweeping floors at Brown Chevrolet in Devine. He was a selfless and humble individual, always putting others before himself. A dedicated volunteer firefighter for the Nursery Volunteer Fire Department, J.R. could often be found working in his shop or around the house, ready to lend a hand to anyone in need without expecting anything in return. He had a passion for classic cars, especially his cherished '55 Chevy. J.R. and Melinda enjoyed summer camping trips on River Road in New Braunfels with family and friends. Proud of his civic duty, he made it a mission to vote just days before his passing. Above all, his greatest joy was being “Bop-Bop” to his three precious grandchildren.
J.R. is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Melinda Tupa Morris; sons Barrett Morris (girlfriend Keely) and Brice Morris (wife Lauren); daughter Brittney Morris McGehee (husband Brett); grandsons James and John; granddaughter June; sister Rhonda Morris Martinez (husband David); mother-in-law Rose Tupa; brothers-in-law Michael Tupa (wife Karen) and Mark Tupa (wife Vicki); numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved pets, Sassy, Sailor, and Kit Cat, along with grand-pups Duke and Dolly.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James E. Morris Sr. and Betty Ann Morris-Buechler; father-in-law Joe Tupa Jr.; and grandparents William and Lillie Belle Morris.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Rosewood Funeral Chapel. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 704 Mallette Drive, Victoria, Texas, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, 470 Cemetery Rd, Ganado, Texas.
Pallbearers will include Michael Tupa, Philip Dornak, Jim Bundick, Joey Moore, Ty Coburn, Roger Sitka, Mike Bednorz, Scotty Kucera, Adrian Funari, and Randy Wagner. Honorary pallbearers will be his operations family from INEOS Nitriles.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the brilliant M.D. Anderson medical team, Dr. Fariborz Gorouhi and his compassionate staff, along with the Infusion Department at Citizens Medical Center, for their exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, the Nursery Volunteer Fire Department, or Hospice of South Texas.
J.R. will be deeply missed and remembered for his unwavering love, generosity, and the joy he brought to everyone around him.
