James B. Morris

James Benjamin "JB" Morris went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 11, 2025. He passed away peacefully at the University of Virginia hospital, surrounded by his family.

JB was born on March 22, 1931, in Charlottesville, VA. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where he studied agriculture. After leaving VPI, he returned home and worked on the family dairy farm. In 1954, he married Iva Lee Davis (1929-2010), the first love of his life. Together, they built a beautiful life. When the farm was sold, JB began his career with Sperry Marine. After many fulfilling years, he retired as a senior buyer. JB was an active member of the Earlysville Volunteer Fire Department. He loved his time at Earlysville and served for many years in various roles, including president. Throughout his life, JB attended Olivet Presbyterian Church. He served in many capacities over the years, including as a deacon and as a member of the building and property committee. At the time of his death, he shared the title of longest-standing membership at Olivet with one of his lifelong friends. In his spare time, JB enjoyed camping and getting his young family out into nature. He also enjoyed woodworking, blessing many others with the gifts God had given him through homemade wooden toys and furniture. In 2016, JB married Shirley Whitt, the second love of his life. He never hesitated to tell anyone how blessed he was to have had the love of two such amazing women. JB was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a friend of many and a faithful servant to God. He had a fabulous sense of humor and was a steady presence that will truly be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Whitt; children, Beth Morris, Mary Carol Jones (Michael), James B. (Jim) Morris (Mary), and Anne Hucek (Chris); stepdaughters, Jenny Whitt and Melissa McGill (Allen); granddaughters, Brittany Miller (Alex), Hailee Miller (Donnie), Sarah, Hannah, Abigail, and Rebecca Morris, and Raleigh and Mara Hucek; step-granddaughter, Aleah McGill; and seven precious great-grandchildren by whom he was affectionately called Poppie.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Mutter and the wonderful staff at The Colonnades Health Clinic as well as the University of Virginia Hospital, 4th floor, for their gentle and thoughtful care throughout.

A memorial service and reception for family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 14, at 11:00 AM at Olivet Presbyterian Church, 2575 Garth Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901. The interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Olivet Presbyterian Church.