James P. Morgan Jr.

MORGAN, Dr. James Pierpont Jr., 86 of Spring Hill, FL, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 27, 2018. He was born on September 20, 1932 in Dobbs Ferry, NY. He was preceded in death by his father, James P. Morgan, Sr., his mother, Marguerite Alberta Fellers and his wife Florence d’Esterhazy Morgan. He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn, his children Jayne Ellspermann (David), June Burks (Douglas), Jean Morgan (Bill), his stepson Nathan Fillion and stepdaughter Kimberly Fillion. Grandchildren Lisa Lombardo (Adam), Erin Buss (Thomas), Christopher Burks (Ariana), Andrew Burks (Emily), Colin Ryan and Evan Ryan. Great grandchildren Caleb, Luke, Austin, Ethan and Jacob.

Jim grew up in New York City and spent his summers at Rockaway Beach. He graduated from St. Phillip Neri High School in the Bronx. Jim proudly served his country in the US Army on active duty from 1954-1956, and as a reservist from 1956-1962. He spent his military service both in the US and in Europe. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Manhattan College in 1957, his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Baruch School of Business at City University of NY in 1964 and his Doctorate of Ministry from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in 1986.

Dr. Morgan completed two successful careers. One in law enforcement and one in academia. His law enforcement career began with the NYPD as an officer. He quickly became one of the youngest detectives on the force and was one of the founding members of the elite narcotics squad known as the “7-Ups”, famously made into the movie “The French Connection”. He later joined the FBI as a Special Agent but very quickly became part of the instructional team at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. His success in teaching at the academy led to his first venture into academia when he joined the faculty at the University of Georgia. The textbooks that he authored while at the University of Georgia earned nationwide acclaim and were used widely at other colleges and universities. This recognition led to his appointment as the first Director of Public Safety for the city of St. Petersburg, FL. He later started a very successful consulting business and continued to write books and articles on Law Enforcement and Public Safety. After being appointed as the Chairman of the Law Enforcement Presidential Commission he returned full time to academia, becoming part of the faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. He became Department Chair and later the head of Business Services for VCU. While in Richmond he was very active in the local running community and when the Athletic Department asked him to become the Head Coach of the VCU NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams he gladly agreed. Upon retirement he relocated to Amelia Island, FL where for a short time he served as the Director of the Amelia Island Montessori School, rediscovered his love of golf and served in a variety of ministries at his church. Another great accomplishment was being inducted as an ascribed member of the institute of charity.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, Fernandina Beach, FL on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 2:00 pm. Following the mass, military honors will be rendered at the Amelia Island Plantation Chapel.