James Morris

James Leonard Morris of Savoy, IL was a man respected for decades in his field of work. Known as "Jim," he was a man beloved by many in his community and worldwide, a man of good humor, clever wit and perennial good cheer. Jim passed away Sunday, November 13, 2022 at the Illini Heritage Rehab and Health, after a brief illness. Jim devoted decades in the service of his communities, and to mankind at large, in the field of law enforcement and criminal justice. He was born on February 21, 1945 in Bedford, IN to Carl Morris and Mary Ellen Hawkins. He graduated from high school in Somerset, KY and went on to major in Criminal Justice at the University of Indiana. After his college graduation he worked for the FBI in Washington DC, before joining the US Air Force in 1966.

After his discharge from the US military, he spent 50 years in the law enforcement field, starting with security contracts with the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank. He was a very courageous man.

He knew his business of keeping people safe. Because he cared. He cared about people and their safety. He cared about human rights. This led him to additional stints with the United Nations Peace Keeping Forces in both Kosovo and East Timor, during the long and traumatic struggles the people of those countries endured while achieving their independence.

Other places his law enforcement work took Jim to, included Terre Haute IN, Danville IL, Paxton IL, Tolono IL, and Longmont CO. Later in his career, he was an instructor of Firearms Safety at the University of Illinois. He was a "Master Pistol Trainer," as well as a Master Revolver Trainer. Over the years, Jim was awarded many awards and medals of valor. They cover an entire wall of the home he shared with his beloved wife, Norita Morris.

Jim and Norita were members of the Bible Baptist Church in Savoy, IL. Jim loved his police work, throughout his life, and in his free time he enjoyed reading, current events, classical and jazz music. He taught Norita how to shoot a pistol, and they often went to the local range together to practice. One could say they were "comrades in arms," literally. They had lots of fun together with various hobbies and some traveling, over the last 20 years.

What Norita would like for people to remember about Jim is that he was loyal, gentle, and loving. He was such a good husband and father. He was funny, and had so many interesting stories, from his time spent all over the world. Most of all, he was a good role model for young people, in life, and especially in the criminal justice field. He inspired many young people to make a career in criminal justice, because they admired him. Jim Morris was a problem solver, and throughout his life, he always went the extra mile to help people in trouble.

Jim was proceeded in death by his mother and stepfather Robert and Mary Wray of Terre Haute IN, and grandparents Eithel and Bessie Hawkins of Heltonville IN.

Jim is survived by his wife, Norita G. Morris of Savoy, IL. son; Paul R. Morris (Jennifer) of Inola OK, daughter; Robin Brannigan (Casey) of Wake Forest NC, stepchildren; Rick Padilla (Tamsan), Sandra Sabater, and ONeil Padilla of MA, FL, and Australia, respectively. Jim has a surviving brother, John Wray of Terre Haute IN. Additionally, Jim has eight surviving grandchildren: Leighellen (Dion) of Rantoul IL, Savannah Morris of Westville IL, Gabriella Morris of Inola OK, Chaelan Brannigan of Wake Forest NC, Venatia Norita Padilla, Isabella Padilla, Demetrious Padilla Crystal, Thora Padilla and a great-grandson Kindrick Unzicker of Rantoul IL.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10am on Friday, December 9th, 2022 at Bible Baptist Church of Champaign 4001 W. Kirby Ave, Champaign, IL. 61822. Pastor Mike Smith will be officiating.

Cremation Rites have been accorded at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL. 61820