James Gilbert Morrissey

James Gilbert “Jimmy" Morrissey, age 94, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Carmen Otto Morrissey; his parents, Loftus Andrew and Mary Bell Howell Morrissey; his brothers Loftus Andrew Morrissey, Jr. and Joseph Lawrence Morrissey; and his sister Jeanne Morrissey Hunter. He is survived by his children John Morrissey, Katy Morrissey (Pete Selover), Mike Morrissey (Emily), Maria Morrissey and Ted Morrissey (Jan); his grandchildren MacKinnon Doleac (Adam) and Elliott Morrissey; Natalie, Andrew and Kate Selover; Nick Kohler, Laney and Lisey Morrissey; Lilly, Sarah and Knox Morrissey; his great-grandson Jack Doleac; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A lifelong Nashvillian, Jimmy was born on July 2, 1930. The youngest of four siblings, he tragically lost his mother at the age of 11 and his father at the age of 16 and was raised by his sister Jeanne. Jimmy attended Waverly Belmont and then Montgomery Bell Academy before continuing his studies at Murray State. He transferred to Peabody College where he was student body president and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1953.

Following college, he served his country with honor as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the United States Navy during the Korean War. On his aircraft carrier, he served as a communications specialist while also coaching the basketball team onboard. After returning home to Nashville, Jimmy served as the director of the Catholic Youth Organization for five years where he met his beloved wife, Carmen Otto. He also began coaching baseball at Father Ryan High School and is still affectionately referred to as “Coach” by many Nashvillians.

Several years in restaurant development with the famed Ireland’s Restaurant were flanked with an extensive career in real estate. For the last several decades with Rochford Realty & Construction, he built relationships far and wide with his gregarious personality and famous storytelling. He also mastered the art of a free lunch. While not in the office physically the last few years, he was always part of the Rochford family, and we are indebted for the kindness, assistance and love always shown to him.

Often referred to as “The Mayor of Green Hills,” Jimmy had a remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether holding court over coffee with friends at McDonald’s, picking up breakfast for the girls in the office from the Hampton Inn, keeping the Rochford offices lively and entertaining, or enjoying fellowship at The St. Paul Senior Living Community—Jimmy made every space feel like home. His warmth and humor were legendary; he always had a joke or funny story ready to brighten someone’s day. And if you were lucky enough to see him on St. Patrick’s Day, you knew you’d found your pot of gold. Everywhere he went, he seemed to run into someone he knew. He often remarked that even though he didn't have a lot of money, he was the richest man in the world because he was rich in friends.

Jimmy’s love for sports was lifelong and passionate. As a junior at MBA, he batted .560 and was twice named to the All-City baseball team before going on to play at Murray State. He continued his career in amateur baseball for years and was a member of the 1959 Hester Battery Ball Club, the first Nashville team to play in the Stan Musial World Series in Battle Creek, MI. He was later inducted into the Nashville Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. His coaching continued as his young children began playing a multitude of sports, and he became a dedicated fan of MBA football, basketball and baseball, holding what is probably the longest streak of consecutive football games attended. His signature red cap could be spotted anywhere, but he learned to trade it for a purple hat when he ventured up the mountain to cheer on three of his children at Sewanee. He entertained many Sewanee teams when he and Carmen hosted dinners in Nashville, and he loved being part of the Sewanee family. As his grandchildren entered the sports arena, he continued his role as a steadfast supporter, even adding volleyball, soccer and running to his repertoire. A devoted fan of Vanderbilt baseball, Jimmy rarely missed a game until recent years—cheering with his friends in Section G and bringing as many children and grandchildren to games as he could. One of his greatest memories was seeing the Commodores win their first College World Series in 2014.

Aside from sports, two of his favorite hobbies were food and horse racing. Much of his day was spent talking about food, calling friends to find out where and what they ate, planning his next meal, and delivering food to anyone who might need a boost to their day. He loved taking his family to Churchill Downs and Dade Park, and if there wasn’t a sporting event on a Saturday, he was sure to be found at the Dueling Grounds in his later years.

Jimmy converted to Catholicism as a teenager, and his faith became a pillar of his family life. He and Carmen were longtime parishioners of Christ the King Catholic Church and The Cathedral of the Incarnation. Most recently he was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church where he loved attending 9am Mass with his grandchildren. When his mobility became too limited, he continued watching daily Mass each morning and attending the Thursday Catholic service at the St. Paul. He loved sharing his faith and regularly invited his friends to join him for Ash Wednesday or Good Friday services.

Above all else, Jimmy cherished his family. Nothing made him prouder in recent years than hearing about his grandchildren's accomplishments or games so that he had new stories to brag to his friends about the next morning. He was lovingly known as “The Grouch” by Carmen, “Dad” by his five children, “Gramps” by his grandchildren, "Uncle Jimmy" by many nieces and nephews and “Mr. Mo” to countless friends of his children who were always welcome for burgers on Sunday nights. So many people considered him a second father, a brother or a best friend, because he had a knack for making everyone feel important to him. And they were. Jimmy left an extraordinary impact on countless lives through his warm smile, signature stories and his joy for life. We will all miss the man in the red cap.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and a Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 AM at St. Henry Catholic Church. Lunch will follow immediately in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Nashville givebutter.com or Sewanee Athletics https://www.givecampus.com/zfoued

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to his caregivers, nurses, doctors and so many of the staff at the St. Paul for their care and friendship over the past few years. Thank you as well to the many visitors who came to spend time with him at the St. Paul.