James "Jim" R. Morris

James R. Morris, of Springfield, died at the age of 87 on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 6:35 p.m. at the Bridge Care Suites—peacefully and surrounded by people who loved him.

Jim, as he was better known, was born on January 23, 1936, in Quincy, the youngest son of Charles and Ruth Schullian Morris. He married Mary "Susan" Eck on October 11, 1958, in Springfield. She preceded him in death on October 5, 2017, and together, they shared a lifetime of love and laughter.

Sue and Jim created a loving home that welcomed all—they spent countless evenings with family and friends, seated around a roaring fireplace (and sharing a bowl of Jim’s “secret-recipe” popcorn) or hosting regional clergy members in their dining room.

Jim was a lover of trivia and of wholesome mischief. He loved to sing and tell long-winded jokes, and didn’t mind donning a tutu if a CFC skit called for it. While he was a fierce competitor in sports, he also fiercely advocated for peace and justice in the world. He was an ardent birdwatcher, but he was also a fan of the great indoors, religiously watching his favorite teams play.

Jim had a very rational and scientific approach to life, having the good sense to suffer an otherwise fatal heart attack 10 steps away from an AED device and with medical professionals nearby, which gained him an additional 12 years of life.

Jim was a graduate of St. Francis Grade School and Notre Dame High School, both in his hometown of Quincy, IL. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, and was an exceptional athlete. Jim was selected All-State Football, All-Catholic All-American in football and basketball, and he still holds the College World Series record for highest batting average (.714), a feat achieved at the 1957 CWS while playing for University of Notre Dame.

In his life, Jim always worked to make his world and the world around him—both near and far—a better place. He taught at Cathedral Boys/Griffin High School and in the Springfield Public School System. For 30 years, he worked in data processing for the IL Department of Mental Health. He wrote an annual February letter, sent out to console and encourage everyone who suffered the effects of a long winter. Sue and Jim both served on the board of Habitat for Humanity of Springfield during the five years after its founding, developing a lasting legacy of compassion and service for the community.

Jim was a very active member of the Church of the Little Flower, where he was the Director of Religious Education and served on the RCIA team for more than 25 years.

In 1976, Jim and Sue founded the Koinonia weekend retreat program and served as its international coordinators. Koinonia has served more than 50,000 people in 29 states and 3 foreign countries. In addition, they provided retreats for individuals, couples and groups in a 3-state area for more than 25 years. Together, Jim and Sue organized eight pilgrimages to the Holy Land to promote peace and understanding.

As a couple, Jim and Sue were honored with the Spirit of St. Francis Award by St. Francis College in Joliet as the Outstanding Catholic Layperson(s) of the year in 1991. In 2009, they received the Pax Joliet Award as a couple for their work in peace and justice. Sue was a constant inspiration to Jim: as he put it, she was the most selfless person he ever met.

Jim Morris was a natural performer: in sports, singing, and storytelling. He was also one of the most loving people we've ever known, who believed that universal, unconditional love was the ultimate truth. His belief in an all-loving God showed in his eyes to the end. He will be dearly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Earl, Paul, and Robert Morris.

He is survived by his two sons, Chuck (Rose Frantzen) of Maquoketa, IA and Mike (Mimi) of Sacramento, CA; four daughters, Marie (Tim) Gabrielsen of Tucson, AZ, Cathy (Dominic Ricci) Priest of Wilmette, IL, Theresa (Gerry) Connolly St. Louis, MO, and Sarah (Nick) Allen of Springfield; 18 grandchildren; one great-grandchild and another on the way; two sisters, Marg Andrews and Rose (Tom) Gott of Quincy, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Drive, Springfield. The visitation will begin with a prayer service.

Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Church of the Little Flower with Rev. Al Kemme, celebrant. Private family burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Little Flower or Habitat for Humanity.

The family of James R. Morris is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.