John Wendell Morrisset

John Wendell Morrisset, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away at his home in Valencia, CA on November 25, 2025 at age 76. Christine, his wife of 54 years, and his daughter Jennifer were there at his side. Both of John’s children, their spouses, and all his grandchildren were able to visit him many times before his passing.

John, the oldest of three siblings, was born February 4,1949 in Pensacola, Florida to Marine Officer Marion Wendell Morrisset and his loving wife Jeanne. After living the first 8 years of his life in New Jersey where he especially loved accompanying his maternal grandfather to Yankee baseball games, John’s family moved to California. In 1967 he graduated from Corona del Mar High School in Newport Beach where he managed to letter in track, basketball, baseball, and football. A superb athlete, his talent served him well in all areas of his life. In the fall, he became a student at USC on a Navy ROTC Scholarship. While there, he was not only an honor student but played for the USC Baseball Team under the tutelage of the world-renowned baseball coach Rod Dedeaux. They were the NCAA champions 3 out of the 4 years John played on the team. While at USC, John met the love of his life, Christine, and they were married before they graduated.

Upon graduation, John was commissioned as a Supply Corp Ensign in the US Navy. Being sent to Western Australia for 2 ½ years was the most exciting tour that John had with Christine by his side. After seven honorable years of service to our country, John decided to separate as a lieutenant from the Navy while on his last tour at Alameda in the Bay Area. Wanting to put his Finance/Investment degree from USC to work, he went to Golden Gate University and got a master’s degree in Advanced Taxation followed by passing the CPA exam on his first try. He worked for Touche Ross in San Francisco until 1982 when he and Christine decided they wanted to move south to beautiful Santa Barbara to be closer to family and raise their children. In Santa Barbara he became a partner in the CPA firm Damitz, Brooks, Nightingale, Turner, and Morrisset and had a wonderful career there for 35 years. He also taught an Advanced Taxation Class at UCSB for 8 years.

A man of integrity, determination, and quiet strength, John was, above all, a devoted and caring family man who dearly loved his son Matt and daughter Jennifer. Santa Barbara was a wonderful place to raise them, see them get married and happily welcome 7 grandkids to the family, all of whom made him so proud. John was caught by the traveling bug and traveled extensively all over the world with his family and friends. Tennis and golf were his sports of choice as an adult where he built many lasting friendships along the way. He was on several boards in Santa Barbara gladly giving his time and talent. A man of God, he served as Council President at Trinity Lutheran Church for a year and headed up their Finance Committee for several years.

He is survived by his wife Christine, his sister Cindy Daggett (Dann), his son Matthew Morrisset (Katie), his daughter Jennifer Luna (Keith), and seven grandchildren--Tobias (Sage), Jackson, Chase, Parker, Piper, Rose, and Brooke. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Wendell and Jeanne Morrisset and his brother Richard Morrisset.

A funeral service will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park located at 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA on January 17, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. It will be followed by a graveside service from 1:00 to 2:00 pm and will end with a Memorial Reception with dinner from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. All are welcome. An RSVP to Christine Morrisset at (805) 895-3875 would be appreciated for those who would like to attend the reception dinner. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Tunnel to Towers can be made in memory of John.