James N. Morris

James N. Morris Battle Creek James Neal Morris, 60, of Battle Creek, and recently of Simi Valley, CA, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at Southwest Mercy Hospital in Bakersfield, CA. He was born February 27, 1948 in Inglewood, CA the son of Neal Nelson Morris and EvaJane (Ratliff) Morris-Sheppard. Jim was a self-employed auto mechanic for 15 years. Recently, he delivered flowers for the Country Bouquet Florist and worked as a Brownberry Bread franchise for several years. He was formerly married to Molly Jane Cummins on April 21, 1979 in Battle Creek, MI, she survives. Jim is also survived by 2 Sons: Joshua J. Morris of Bakersfield, CA, Dustin C. Morris of Omaha, NE; one daughter: Hayley E. Morris of Springfield, MI; his mother: EvaJane Morris-Sheppard of Simi Valley, CA; and one sister: Deborah Jane Morris of Lynchburg, VA. Also surviving are: Kathy and Ed Williams, Cindy and Roy Smith, Joe and Emile Cummins, Gary and Shirley Cummins, and Carl Cummins, all of Battle Creek. Jim was preceded in death by his father: Neal Morris in July 1992; mother-in-law: Mary Alice Cummins (2009); and his brother: William Joseph Morris (2008). Jim received a degree in Engineering Technology from Cerritious College in California. Jim attended St. John Bosco High School in California, where he excelled in and counseled children in sports. While growing up, Jim was a member of the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America and the Simi Valley Jaycee's. He enjoyed family and friends. Jim enjoyed meeting people delivering flowers and was very involved with his children. He coached Little League and was every child's "second Dad" - he and his wife took in 14 children who became like their own. Jim spent much of his life improving the lives of those around him and took joy when he was able to help anyone he came in contact with. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 298, Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era, the Michigan Air National Guard, the United States Navy and United States Navy Reserves. Visitation will be held at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service after 12 noon Monday (February 16, 2009) where the family will be present from 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday (February 17, 2009) in the Bachman Funeral Chapel with Josh Hydrick, minister of 20th Street Church of Christ officiating. Burial will follow with Military Honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial tributes may be made to D.A.V., P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. www.bachmanhebble.com