James Morrow

James "Jim" Kenton Morrow, 61, died Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at his home. He passed away surrounded by his family after a courageous two-year battle with mesothelioma cancer. Jim was born in Mansfield on December 13, 1946 to the late Roger H. Morrow and Margie Shoup Morrow. He graduated from Madison Senior High School in 1964. Jim's first devotion was for his family. He was a quiet, private person, which belied his deep feelings for those he loved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son. He was an extremely hard worker, always generous and caring in meeting the needs of his loved ones. An avid sports fan, Jim was a left-handed pitcher for Madison teams and the Peterson Tire semi-professional team. His favorite pastime was watching and talking sports with his life long buddy, Rowland Dumm and his brother-in-law, Gary Leonard. He so enjoyed his many visits from his brother, Jeff, who he loved talking shop with. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Jim served in the Vietnam War. Following his enlistment, he joined the Air National Guard at Lahm Airport and completed 20 years of service for his country. His working career started in 1964 with Humphreys, which then became Borg-Warner, then Artesian, and finally, Crane Plumbing, with 40 years in various supervisory positions.

Jim is survived by his wife, Judy J. Leonard Morrow of Ontario; daughters Wendy Storms of Lexington, and Kristie Zach Massa of Mansfield; mother, Margie Morrow of Ontario; two grandchildren, Jordan James and Morgan Lynn Storms of Lexington, who were the special pride and delight of his life; and brothers, Steve Linda Morrow of Spring Arbor Michigan, and Jeff Debi Morrow of Bellville. Jim also shared a loving and close relationship with his extended family, that being his in-laws, father and mother-in-law, Jack and Patricia Leonard of Mansfield; sister-in-law, Susan Joe Massa of Mansfield, brothers-in-law, Gary Leonard of Lexington, and Greg Isabel Leonard of Columbus; uncles, Richard Joan Morrow of Ontario, and William Shoup of Mansfield; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his father, Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd and Nelle Morrow and William and Lois Shoup; aunts and uncles, Bob Shoup and Treva May Savene, Jack Morrow, and a special aunt, Marianne Morrow Hazlette.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church, Mansfield, where a service in celebration of his life will be held Monday, June 9, 2008 at 1 p.m. conducted by Rev. Tony Minear. The family will be available to greet guests from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday in the Parlor at the church. Military graveside services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. The family requests in lieu of flowers contributions be made for the education of his grandchildren in care of Richland Bank, 276 E. Main St., Lexington, Ohio 44904. Wappner Funeral Directors assisted the family with arrangements.