Mr. Morris was born November 25, 1923 in Roanoke, AL, son of the late James Homer Morris and Bessie Still Morris. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church where he was baptized on October 17, 1993. Mr. Morris was retired from Milliken and Company and was a U.S. Army veteran during which time he served in World War II and received many medals including three Bronze Service Stars and the World War Two Victory Medal. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Morris, and a son, Dr. Jimmy Morris.
Survivors include his daughter and her husband, Glenda Arlene Morris and Rodolfo Orlich Acosta; granddaughter and her husband, Raquel Orlich and Francisco Echeverria; two great granddaughters, Alexa Echeverria and Sofia Echeverria; and two brothers and their spouses, Wilmer H. and Margaret Morris and Jessie Y. and Mavis Morris.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 P.M. Sunday, April 25, 2010 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Bobby Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Donations in memory of James Oliver Morris may be made to either the Harmony House for Domestic Violence (C/O: Harrells Cleaners, 207 West Battle Street, LaGrange, GA 30240. www.harmonyhousega.org) or to the Disabled American Veterans (P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250 www.dav.org ).
Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636 www.shlagrange.com
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Biography written by: Glenda Morris, daughter.
James Oliver Morris; Dad, Popo, was a simple man. He was born in the state of Alabama on November 25, 1923. He was the oldest of three brothers; Jake, Fred, and Wilmer.
On July 3, 1942, he married Myrtle White. November 9, 1943, he was called to service in the United States Army where he was a squad leader. He served with the 278th Engineer Combat Battalion in the European theater of Operations. His decorations and citations included EAME Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He served in the following battles and campaigns; Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. The Dutch government awarded his unit with the Dutch lanyard for bravery and outstanding achievement.
His bravery followed him throughout life as he battled to overcome not only the loss of his beloved mother, father, wife and only son, but many serious illnesses as well. Through his faith in God, and the help of his life-long friend, mentor, and pastor, Bobby Robinson, he pressed forward in a positive way.
My Dad was loved by many. He was intense in his convictions and never gave up. He never allowed his fears to keep him from enjoying new experiences. He appreciated the simple things of life that many of us take for granted.
He collected world stamps. HIs collection consisted of four large albums. One of the most interesting is his collection of U.S. historical figures such as a six cents stamp of Douglas MacArthur, and a thirteen cents stamp of Clara Maass, a one and a half cent stamp of First Lady Martha Washington and a three cents Win the War Stamp. He also had many stamps of presidents which included a one cent and a four cents stamp of Abraham Lincoln a one cent and a three cents stamp of George Washington.
Some of his other hobbies include; carpentry, gardening, oil painting, fishing, feeding the birds, helping others, and sitting in his swing to watch the sun set every day. He especially enjoyed watching it snow.
Dad's favorite actor was John Wayne. His favorite sports were baseball and wrestling. He loved to watch old war movies and the Discovery and Animal Planet channels.
Dad's sense of humor in the worst of moments was incredible and admirable.
He was proud of his son, daughter, granddaughter, and great granddaughters. Although he never met his great granddaughters, he was constantly surrounded by their photos and talked of them constantly. He never forgot to say to each of us, 'I love you!'
Before he passed away, he said that he had enjoyed his life, had lived well, loved us, made peace with God, seen his incredibly beautiful destination, and was ready to go home. Two days before his passing, he insisted upon rising out of his bed to take, what we know now as, his final steps. Not only did he take a few steps, but he danced while two nurses and his granddaughter held him. Afterwards, I am told, he talked and joked for one and a half hours.
He was an amazing man. I admire him and wish to have all his positive qualities. His family and friends will miss him greatly. Our loss is Heaven's gain.
I know he is in Heaven because of what he had seen as his final destination. A few minutes before his death, I heard a voice that said, "An Angel is coming." I was to open the garden doors from which she would enter. In doing so, I lifted my face to the Heavens. The intense blue shy reminded me of Dad's eyes so I went to his side and then I watched him take his last breath.
A special thanks to Pastor Doug Bingham, Pastor Bobby Robinson, and Nurse Augusta. Each was sent to us by God and each had a particular mission in the unfolding of his final days.
The attitude which Dad dealt with his situations will be my inspiration and motivation to successfully handle whatever awaits me in my journey of life. I will be more positive before adversity, complain less, smile more, maintain faith, take time everyday to watch and admire the sunset and the moon rise and stargaze. I will smell the flowers and marvel at God's creations and in so doing I will remember and miss my Dad.
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