John was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1929, son of Harry N. Morris and Aphea Hurlbert Morris. John grew up in Mobile and often fondly reminisced about his boyhood there. He joined the Episcopal Church on Ann Street, on his own, at an early age, beginning a lifelong loving exploration of the message and meaning of Christianity. He also discovered Amateur Radio in Mobile, and a worldwide community of people that shared this passion. During his life John contacted every country in the world using his Ham Radio, and was an expert DX’er.
John proudly served his country during World War II and after as part of the Army Air Corps as a radio operator. He later attended and graduated from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama in 1953 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He met the love of his life there, Nancy Jones and married her in 1952.
John and Nancy Morris lived in various places coming to settle in Huntsville, Alabama when John started a career with the newly formed NASA in 1960. John worked for NASA for over 30 years and was very involved in the space program from the earliest days. He received many awards recognizing his contributions to mission success and safety.
John and Nancy loved the Huntsville area and were involved in many local organizations. Including schools, amateur radio clubs, churches, especially the Church of the Nativity, library, local theater and ballet groups, and restoration of the Saturn V. They raised all four of their children in this community.
In the early 1970’s John became an avid private pilot, and later a flight instructor. He was proud to have taught many North Alabama residents how to fly, including a few future astronauts.
John and Nancy retired and later choose to move to the Birmingham area to be closer to their son and daughter.
John K. Morris is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Jones Morris, his four children, Aphea Ann Thornton, John K. Morris, Jr., Caroline E. M. Smith, and Mary K. Johnson. John will also be greatly missed by his sons-in-law, Greg Thornton, Phillip Smith and Shawn Johnson as well as his loving daughter-in-law Peggy Morris. John was also very proud to be the grandfather of Jesse Hayward, Joshua Thornton, Amanda Thornton, Matthew Smith, Frances Smith and Sarah Smith and great grandfather of Juniper John Thornton.
Services will be held Thursday, June 14th at St Luke’s Episcopal Church, 3736 Montrose Road, Mount Brook Alabama 35213; Visitation 1-2 PM; Memorial Service at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Founder’s Place Memory Loss at St. Lukes Episcopal Church.
John will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 88’s and 73’s.
