James "Jimmy" Ernest Morrissey

James "Jimmy" Ernest Morrissey; at the age of 91, he went to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully at his home Friday, November 29, 2019. He was a lifelong resident of Nashville, TN, which was the place of his birth Monday, October 1, 1928.

Mr. Morrissey graduated from Hume-Fogg Technical and Vocational High School in 1946. He attended George Peabody College and the University of Tennessee.

He was a lifelong member of Grace Baptist Church, serving his Lord and church in many capacities. He was a Deacon since 1954 and served as church treasurer for 42 years. He served on the relocation committee that planned the church’s move to its present location and served on numerous other church committees.

He valued his most significant role as captain of the feasibility study team for Grace Baptist Church building housing for seniors. He was the former President of Grace Adult Homes, Inc., Board of Directors that planned, built, and operated Grace Manor Assisted Living Community until August 2017. The building of this facility fulfilled a God-given dream since the late 1970’s.

He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army for 2 years during the Korean War, 11 months of which was served in Germany.

He worked as a civilian employee for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District, in the Design Branch for 43 years. He worked on navigation locks from the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Most of these projects were on the Cumberland River and its tributaries. He also worked on flood protection projects for towns in southeastern Kentucky. After retiring from the Corps in 1990, he spent much of his time working with Grace Manor Assisted Living Community and was an avid supporter of the Nashville Baptist Toy Store of which he wrote its history as well as the history of Grace Baptist Church from 1933 to 2013.

Survived by wife of 25 years, Joan Burger Morrissey, children Karen Morrissey, Jamie (Thomas) Lynch, Keith Morrissey, Darin (Becky) Morrissey, sister Martha Jane Petty, grandchildren Jeremy Morrissey & Lauren Lynch, great-grandchildren James Joshua (J.J.) Morrissey, Kaleigh Watson, niece Beth Petty, step-sons Kyle (Patti) Hitt & Dean (Michael Boyd) Hitt.

He is preceded in death by parents, Roy and Mary Lou Morrissey, wife of 37 years Elnora Morrissey, & grandson James Joshua Morrissey.

Pallbearers: Dennis Roberson, Bill Brewer, Joe Wall, David Phillips, Joe Steakley, Bill McKee, Paul Vawter, Keith Morrissey, Jeremy Morrissey, Dean Hitt, & Kyle Hitt.

Honorary Pallbearers: Deacons & Members of the Four Square Sunday School Class of Grace Baptist Church, Board of Directors of Grace Manor Assisted Living Community, Paul Robertson, Raymond Langlois, Don Hudson, George Thompson, & Thomas Lynch.

Thank you to Adoration Home Health & Hospice (Mel, Amber and Scarlett) and Home Instead Senior Care. Much appreciation to special caregivers Angela Coleman & Michelle Borich.

Family and friends will gather to remember Mr. Morrissey at a visitation Tuesday, December 3, 2:00 until 7:00 PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home 1150 South Dickerson Rd Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

Visitation will be Wednesday December 4, 2019 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Grace Baptist Church 1510 Old Hickory Blvd Nashville, Tennessee 37207 with Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 PM, Dr. Fred E. A. Johnson officiating. Graveside service to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.