Barbola Funeral Chapel

William J. "Jim" Morris

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we share the passing of Jim Morris, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, professor, and friend, who left the earth on August 20, 2024, at the age of 81. His life was a tapestry woven with love, wisdom, mentoring, humor, and a deep connection to the forest land.

Jim was born in Duluth, MN, on October 1, 1942. Jim was known as a man of great intelligence and an even greater heart. As a devoted husband to his wife Lorraine for 61 years, their marriage was a true bond rooted in love, respect, and an incredible partnership. Together, they built a life that encompassed family, friends, travel, and the sharing of their home and acreage. A place where many learned about themselves, nature, and the warmth of Jim’s heart. Jim lived a full life of laughter, adventure, and unwavering support for human and forestry development.

A proud father, Jim was a loving presence, guide, and source of strength for his two children, David and Lori. He instilled in them the values of being nonjudgmental and kind to all things great and small. He also demonstrated incredible perseverance & fortitude as well as the importance of learning. As a grandfather to five extraordinary grandchildren, Grandpa Jim was a source of endless stories, laughter, and wisdom. Drue Epping, Ella Morris, Addie Morris, Rachel Werch, and Evan Werch, will carry his memory in their hearts, remember the gifts of his many teachings, and continue to live by the example he set.

Professionally, Jim earned his BS in Speech Therapy from UMN-Duluth, his MS in Special Education from UW-Oshkosh, and his Ph.D in Educational Administration and Behavioral Disabilities from UW-Madison. He was a well-respected Professor, dedicating his career to helping others achieve their full potential. His work touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue through the many students and colleagues he taught at UW-Oshkosh.

A true steward of the land, Jim had a deep love for trees and the earth. He believed in the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations and was happiest when surrounded by nature, whether planting trees, tending to the land, or simply enjoying the beauty of a quiet moment outdoors with his wife Lorraine. His dedication to conservation as a small forest landowner partnered with the DNR was a testament to his belief that we are all caretakers of the earth, a lesson he passed on to his kids, grandkids, and all who knew him.

Jim was a member of the Mascoutin Men’s Club, Whitetails Unlimited, Berlin Conservation Club, Seneca Pheasants Club, and Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association.

He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. While our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in the memories of a life well-lived, and the lasting impact Jim made on this world. His legacy of love, learning, and stewardship will continue to inspire us all.

To our Husband, Father, Grandpa, and Friend, we thank you for your love, your time here, your gifts, and the ‘one-liners’ about life that will forever guide us. Your spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved you, in the land you cherished, and in the echoes of your earthly presence. We will see you on the other side.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Sunday, September 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Country Inn in Berlin. Jim’s family looks forward to gathering together to honor his memory, give cheers to all he shared, and tell the many stories of how he touched so many lives. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin. Memorials may be directed to Berlin Conservation Club. Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card to the family, please mail to Jim Morris, c/o Barbola Funeral Chapel, PO Box 201, Berlin, WI 54923.