Thomas Jada Morgan

Thomas Jada Morgan was born in Raleigh, NC, on June 29, 1950, to Bessie Mae and Truett Morgan. He was not given a name for ten days because he was not expected to survive. As many people can now attest, he did survive and made his community a better place for the next 73 years by his character and his belief that every life is a sacred creation to be respected and loved.

Tom graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, NC in 1968. From there he entered UNC at Chapel Hill. While at Carolina, he became a member in Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity. He made lasting friendships there that he has treasured for the past fifty years. One of those fraternity friends was actually in the room when he passed away, and another had been with him each day prior to his passing.

Out of college, Tom began working with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers; he learned a lot, traveled a lot, but ultimately decided he wanted to take a more meaningful path. He enrolled in the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University in Macon, Ga. After passing the bar exam in Georgia and North Carolina, he came back home to Wilmington and began practicing law with a small firm that eventually became Fullwood and Morgan. In 1988 when his partner moved to a judgeship he became a sole practitioner, which was his status until his retirement in 2021.

He asked that his life not be remembered by a listing of titles held, or works that have already received recognition, but rather for the relationship that he held so dear and for the memories that he shared so frequently. It was not just friends and family memories that he treasured, but even brief encounters that made a huge impression on him. Stopping to assist a stranded motorist in rush hour traffic one day he forged an instant friendship that later brought that same motorist to unexpectedly help Tom as well. No small act of kindness goes unnoticed or unrewarded.

Tom found his lifetime love – Karen, in September of 1981, marrying her in February of 1982. They welcomed their son Austin into their lives in 1988, and this was a magnificent joy for Tom every moment up until he drew his last breath. As precious to him were the two granddaughters who added amazement, delight and joy to the past four years. They were able to visit him at Hospice the day before he passed; each of them touched his hand and told him they loved him. The next morning he passed peacefully with his wife by his side, holding his hand. Although we are sad, he is at peace.

Tom enjoyed being on the water in his boat, fishing, puttering in his garage, and daily walks with his dog and cat. He loved music, especially the music of “his time” in the sixties and early seventies. He himself could spontaneously make up a song about absolutely anything or any line you would give him, and there was always much laughter at the end of these songs. He knew how to delight in the moment, and it was infectious. He was a history buff, and he loved to read. He enjoyed the antics and habits of various wildlife around his home; he looked for specific critters each day; he fed cat food to the tortoise that lived by the porch, tossed peanuts to the squirrels, made sure there was critter mix for the rabbits, and talked to the three deer who regularly walked through the yard. He felt like his home was paradise. He has lived there 41 ½ years.

Tom was predeceased by his mother Bessie Mae Butt Morgan and his father Walter Truett Morgan.

Tom is survived by his wife, Karen and his son, Austin Morgan (Meredith); his brother Walter Morgan (Madeline), his two granddaughters, one aunt and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tom’s family is grateful for the final care he experienced at Lower Cape Fear Life Center, where he was received with loving care and treated with the tenderness and respect that he needed and deserved. It was a serene environment that allowed him to rest, and then to pass in peace.

Visitors will be received at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens on Friday, September 15, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Feel free to share your stories at this venue; it will accommodate your tears as well as your laughter, as Tom would have liked.

In keeping with Tom’s wishes a traditional funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, at Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church 10255 Hwy 17, Wilmington, NC 28411, with burial at Oleander Memorial Gardens following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Life Center (Hospice) or to the local Food Bank. Also meaningful to him would be personal outreach to anyone you find who needs a kind word or a few more dollars in the checkout line to be able to take home their groceries. A little kindness really can make a huge difference to someone who just needs a break. These are the things that always moved him the most. He will truly be missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CobleGreenlawn.com for the Morgan family.