James Byron Morris

JAMES BYRON MORRIS, aged 89 of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away on Friday, January 6, 2023. James was born on July 13, 1933, in Greenville, Alabama. His father James Morris and mother Elsie Lee “Nee” Palmer raised James Byron and his two brothers Willie Gene and Adam Richard Ralph Morris in Pigeon Creek, Alabama on a farm. His sister Dorothy, a twin of Willie, was stillborn. At a young age, James Byron confessed his life to Jesus Christ attending church on Sundays with his father at Mount Zion Baptist Church and his mother at St. Luke’s Methodist Church.

His parents continued to work as sharecroppers until they moved to Los Angeles, California on May 19, 1947. James Byron entered formal schooling for the first time in September 1947 as a 7th grader at George Washington Carver Junior High School. He graduated from John C. Fremont High School on June 20, 1952, and attended Harbor Junior College for a year.

James Byron enlisted in the United States Air Force on March 20, 1953. He dreamed of becoming a pilot but that was a difficult, and often impossible feat for Blacks during the Jim Crow era. Instead, James Byron was assigned to the 392nd CES Civil Engineering Squadron as an Electrical Power Production Superintendent responsible for managing and generating power. Over the course of his career, he was stationed in Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Wyoming, Wisconsin, and overseas in Germany, and Japan. He also served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

James Byron had a successful military career ascending to the ranks of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8). He earned numerous awards including the Air and Space Longevity Service Award, Air Force Medal 900-3, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Senior Missileman. On April 30, 1973, he retired from Vandenberg AFB, California. James Byron was the first Black Commander of the American Legion Post 229. He was a life member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. As a civilian, James Byron transitioned into a career in the trucking industry for over 20 years. Eventually, becoming a successful small business owner starting a diesel mobile maintenance company called JBEEZ Mobile Maintenance which he operated for 15 years.

Introduced by his mother and brother, James Byron courted Bettie Jean Morris in 1973 and within a year they married on December 22, 1973. Their union would last for nearly 50 years and bless them with three daughters whom he adored. James Byron loved spending time with his family, his motto was “Family Over Everything” and he also underscored the importance of education. He enjoyed traveling, especially to his favorite place on earth Kauai, Hawaii where he wanted to live out the rest of his life. For fun, he admired classic cars, and spent time listening to jazz, barbecuing, playing Keno and the California Lottery.

To many, James Byron was a friend, trusted advisor, and confidant, someone you could always depend on with the patience of Job. James Byron was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his loving wife Bettie Jean Morris, daughters Dr. Lisa Morris Hibbler (Dereck), Chrystal Morris Harry (Orriel), Trine’ Thomas (Chris); grandchildren: Joshua, Alexandria, Erinn, Caitlyn, Aidan, and Aliyah; great-grandson Arcel; sister-in-laws Barbara Morris and Dorothy Morris; nephew Steven (Jujuan); enumerable extended family and friends.

In remembrance of James Byron Morris, the family requests those wishing to make a donation do so via Zelle using mobile number 702.683.5645 to support his favorite charities.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsouthjones.com for the Morris family.