James Lee Morris

James Lee Morris formerly of Belleview, Missouri passed away on September 10, 2024, in Pilot Knob, Missouri at the age of 91 years. He was born August 17, 1933, in Wellsville, Missouri the son of the late Clinton and Vivian (Meyerpeter) Morris. Jim graduated from Wellsville High School, excelling in basketball. He then attended Moberly Junior College on a basketball scholarship until leaving school to proudly serve his country in the United States Army from 1953 – 1955, seeing active duty in the Korean War. In 1958 he graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a degree in Business Administration, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Jim’s career was spent in management in the banking industry where he retired as Senior Vice President for Key Bank. While living in the Seattle area he served on the board for the American Red Cross and the board of the Wallingford Kiwanis in Seattle where he was awarded member of the year. He was Man of the Year for the SBA. Locally Jim served on the board of the Signer Senior Center and he was a past President of the Frederick Terrace Apartment board. He enjoyed woodcarving and belonged to the Mineral Area Woodcarvers. Jim is survived by three of his children: Tanell Lee of Cottonwood, Arizona, Denton Morris and wife, Jae-Ha of St. Charles, Illinois and Daryl Morris of Phoenix, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his son, Deran Morris, and his sister, JoEllen Spires. A grandson Kyle Morris is left to mourn his passing as well as two nieces: Lynne Barr and Leanne Nanney both of O’Fallon. Jim’s friends from Meadowbrook will miss him as well. Memorial services will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. from Bryson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Canterberry officiating. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in Wellsville Cemetery in Wellsville, Missouri on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. with full military honors. Memorials may be made to the Signer Senior Center.