JW Morris

November 7, 1926 – March 20, 2025

JW “Jake” Morris, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and

friend passed away peacefully at the Sodalis Care Center in Wharton, Texas

on March 20, 2025. Even though he was only there for a short time, it was

amazing how many caregivers gave us a heartfelt story about how much they

loved his positive attitude, friendliness, and humility.

Jake was born in Kemp, Texas and moved to South Oak Cliff, a suburb of

Dallas, Texas where his mother remarried.

Jake soon found himself in the care of Eda May Johnson, a lady who

helped raise him, loved him, and among other life experiences, “taught him to

dance.”

Jake attended Adamson High School where he was a Lieutenant

Colonel in R.O.T.C., yell leader, and voted favorite classmate. He also worked

part-time at a grocery store where one day he took out the groceries of one,

Elsie Wynnell Grace, and sparks flew. World War II got in the way, so their

relationship was put on hold. During the War, Jake enlisted in the Navy.

Because of his grocery experience, Jake was sent to the Naval Commissary in

San Diego, California where he quickly busted a steak theft ring and was

promoted to run the entire operation.

During this time, his love of golf started with working weekends as a

caddy for the rich and famous of Southern California. Jake loved the country

club lifestyle. By the end of the War, luck was on his side. He got into a dice

game and won a new convertible, then decided to drive it back home to Texas.

Upon his arrival in 1949, he married Elise Wynnell and one year later,

they welcomed the first of four children, Jan, Cheryl, LeeAnn, and Russell. As

most of us know, Jake had a very colorful life. On the positive side, Jake was a

founding member of St. Paul Presbyterian Church. He later served as a

Deacon and was involved with many charitable community fund raisers such

as Rodeo Houston, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and Shell Houston Open

to name a few.

Jake always appreciated having a golf tournament at Hearthstone

Country Club named after him, The Jake Morris Crawfish Open. He had a long

career in the grocery business split between A&P and Gerland’s Food Fair.

Even though Gerland’s did not have the same volume of sales as other large

chains, the vendors always invited Jake to the Super Bowl parties, golf

tournaments, etc. This was because he was fun to be around, and he

entertained everybody.

In 1995, he married Madonna Opal Morris, and they had a ten-year run

filled with golf and travel.

Jake loved his friends, he loved his family, he loved to work, he loved to

play golf, and he loved the Lord. He always worked hard and played hard; his

motto was “Never Give In. Never Give Up.” He retired at the age of 75, and he

will make a great addition to Heaven