James Howell Morris, 79, passed away at his home in Jasper during the early morning hours of December 17, 2019.
Graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at 2 p.m., at Walker Memory Gardens, with Kilgore-Green Funeral Home directing.
James was a loyal son, loving husband and a committed father. The light and love of his life was his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Carolyn Cain Morris.
James grew up in Oakman, AL, on a small farm near Lost Creek, where he was known by others as someone who would take almost any dare. Fortunately for him, he was also known his focus on his studies and athletics. His father was a coal miner and later an x-ray technician. His mother was a homemaker who also worked at a hospital.
After earning his associates degree, James was accepted into the Navy’s NAVCAD aviation commissioning program, after which he trained to fly the S-2 Tracker and later transitioned to the S-3 Viking. James served in numerous squadrons on the East Coast and at sea and was the commanding officer of “The World Famous HUKKERS (Hunter-Killers) VS-28.” During his service to his country, James set himself apart with a commitment to absolute integrity, honesty, hard work and self-discipline. He coupled these traits with a sense of humor and a generous spirit. His last posting in the Navy was as the Inspector General of the Defense Nuclear Agency.
After almost 29 years in the Navy, Captain Morris retired from service. The man who had traveled to the most exotic places the world wanted one thing, to come home to Walker County and live once again on Lost Creek. He changed from his “winter blues” into blue jeans so he could relax with his wife and enjoy the time he had left with his mother and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his father, A.V. Morris; his mother Earline Morris; his brother Larry Morris; two sisters Amy Sue Hilton, Annie Lou McNutt; father-in-law Richard A. Cain Jr., mother-in-law Annette W. Cain, brother-in-law Lt. William T Cain, USN
James is survived by his wife, Carolyn Cain Morris; two sons, Steven Scott and William Todd Morris; four grandchildren and several nephews and nieces.
