Celebrating the Life of James D. Morris
November 13, 1950 - September 4, 2025
James D. Morris (affectionately known as Dad, Pops, PawJames, Deac, the Closer, JimmyJames, and J. Mo) was born on November 13, 1950 in Collins, MS, to Leon and Elva Morris. He entered the presence of the Lord on September 4, 2025, in South Jordan, UT, surrounded by love and prayer.
James dedicated his life first and foremost to God, as a faithful servant and long time member of Calvary Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, UT. He was known as a man of great faith who loved God out loud. He lived his beliefs with boldness, humility, and kindness, sharing his light with everyone he encountered. He was the first sound director for Calvary Baptist Church sharing his musical knowledge and talents with his voice & instruments with the choir and musicians. He was the Pillar Director for Worship Experience, Deacon, Instructor for Wednesday Noon Bible Study, Ministry Leader for Benevolence, cooked for Vacation Bible School & other Church events & served wherever & whenever he was needed.
As a Vietnam Veteran, James served his country with honor before returning home to serve his community. His spirit of service never wavered, whether in uniform, in ministry, or through simple daily acts of love.
Music flowed through James’s soul. He started his musical career while still in high school with the Entertainers. He was a gifted lead guitarist and vocalist who shared his talents in many groups such as the ones he founded & cofounded: James Morris and Bloodline, New Generation of Gospel, the James Morris Band, Laidback and a funk and R&B group called People In Music Power. He played with the Soulifters, Superstar, Funktion, BEHT JAMMA, Utah Travelers and NMOTION. He sang his heart out across the community and lifted spirits wherever he played, sharing his talents with Bo Diddley, Ohio Players, Pete Seegers, the Children’s Dance Theater, the Gospel Music Workshop of America, Mahalia Jackson, Kurt Bestor, Living Traditions, the Utah Arts Festival and many more.
James also had an entrepreneurial spirit and he once owned a toy store in the historic Trolley Square and later combined his love of food with his entrepreneurial drive by founding Summertime BBQ Catering. Known for smoking some of the best BBQ and turkeys in Utah, he shared not just meals but moments of joy, laughter, and connection around the table.
He had many jobs protecting and taking care of his family, too numerous to name. He landed at his favorite spot, Western & Delta Airlines in 1983 and retired in 2019. He was part of the Delta Family, where they shared everything, looked out for each other and loved each other. They had a strong work/friend bond like no other. They stayed in touch through the very end.
Those who knew James will remember him as calm, loving, and dedicated not only to his wife and children, but also to his extended family, friends, and church family. His life was a reflection of steadfast faith, deep love, and generosity of spirit.
James is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia Morris; his children, son Cedric (Tracy) Morris and daughter Taedra Morris; his sister in-law, Phyllis Morris; his siblings, Mignon Morris, Courtney Morris, Phyllis Johnson, Sherri Johnson, Gerald (Savita) Whitehorn, and Rob (Cabrina) Thomas; brothers in-law, Wayne (Sarah) Hopkins, Greg (Wendy) Hopkins, Harold Hopkins, Ken (Stacy) Hopkins and Tony Hopkins; grandson Daeshaun Co’Ward; godchildren Daijah Joseph, Kaden Merrills and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and dear friends who will carry forward his legacy of love. He was preceded in death by his father Leon (Anna) Morris, mother Elva Morris and brother Lee Morris.
A Celebration of A Life Well Lived will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Morris Residence from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, have fun and honor James’s remarkable life. James’s journey reminds us all of the beauty of faith, family, music, and fellowship. Until we meet again, his voice lives on in every heart he touched.
Officiant Pastor Oscar T. Moses, Calvary Baptist Church
To share memories and sign the guest book online please visit Starks Funeral Parlor at Starksfuneral.com
In Loving Memory
I was a bandmate in the Gospel group, The Soulifters. I liked James from the moment I met him - that big smile, warm heart and generosity of spirit were transparent, and made me feel accepted and included. James' passion for goodness was palpable. I had never been in a music group that prayed before and after rehearsals. It was wonderful, as I was in spiritual need, and the rest of the Soulifters delivered a connection to the love of Christ that was uniquely beautiful. I am grateful for the fun and rewarding memories of my time with James. I will miss him. I offer my loving condolences and wishes for comfort and strength to the Morris family in their mourning. - Steve PS - I will post some photos in the photo section.
Sending condolences to the Morris family. We had great worship experiences through the gifts of Bro. Morris. Rip.
So sorry to hear about Jimmy Dell. Praying for all of you.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family May God keep his peace and comfort with you always.
God bless James and the family. Worked with him at Western and Delta. Always good to sit and talk with James or while working flights. Fly high my friend!
The man, The Myth, The legend. It was an honor working by you at Delta Airline. RIP my bother...
I miss you my brother, thank you for being a friend.
Jimmy and I go back a long way. I remember when he, Parris Brown and I formed a group of parents that would go over to West High School and make sure that kids were going to class. That's the kind of man he was. He was always cool, calm and collected, except if you messed with his family! I remember when we all worked at Delta together. Jimmy ran that bag room like it was his domain, but he always got the job done! I can't even begin to talk about his musical talents without smiling. He Was Gifted, not only as a guitar player but he could sing his %$# off! I used to kid him about calling me to sing at different places. I'd say "Didn't you lose my number?" He would laugh and say "I'm not gonna!" (I'm laughing and crying even as I type this) Jimmy was a wonderful man, whom I am proud to say I called my FRIEND! RIP my Brother.
Sylvia sending ,my condolence to you and your family. I just seen Jimmy’s obituary. I’m so sorry for your loss. May God watch over you and your family. I’m sending love and prayers
In Loving Memory
