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James Morris Obituary
July 19, 1945 - April 11, 2021
La Jolla, CA
James was born in Oklahoma, attended Stanford University, and graduated with highest honors from the University of Oklahoma medical school. With further training, James pursued a career teaching psychiatry at UCSD, while maintaining a private practice in psychiatry and psychoanalysis in La Jolla, California. Both professionally and personally, James was a fierce advocate for unimpeachable ethical standards and intellectual rigor. Beyond his career, James had a passion for specialty gardening.Most importantly, James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and faithful friend. James is survived by his wife Victoria, two children: Benjamin and Kendra, daughter-in-law Crystalin, and four grandchildren: Michael, Bryson, Harrison, and Berkeley. James is also survived by colleagues and stalwart close friends who both gave, and received, unwavering affection and loyalty.In recognition of, and appreciation for, James's expert long-serving medical team, a special mention to Walter Strouser, MD, and Rolf Ehlers, MD, extraordinary physicians who, over the years, provided the highest quality medical care, comfort, and support to James and by extension to our family. A casual gathering will take place at a time and date to be determined in memory of James's towering intellect, powerful tenacity, valiance, love, compassion, and great sense of humor. Meanwhile, in honor of James, take a moment to be kind to someone in need, lend a helping hand and encouragement, donate to an environmental cause, or plant a redwood sapling. Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ lajollalight
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Morris
None
July 5, 2023
Espero que estas en un lugar con flores, árboles y plantas, ocupando su tiempo con todo que es hermosa para ti...valla con sus sueños.
Mark Cerbone, MD
February 16, 2023
Dr Morris was an astute supervisor and a giftedm compassionate teaching analyst. I gave him a hard time. He tolerated it well. He was remarkable.
Nancy Ferguson
June 17, 2021
We graduated Wilson School together in 1956 the Casady in '62. We carpooled in the 7th grade. We were in a lot of classes together at Casady. He was always a good-natured, funny, bright and wonderful friend. He is gone too soon and will be missed. My condolences to his family, friends, patients and students.
Nancy Ferguson, Santa Barbara CA
Jay Wilson
June 17, 2021
We were fullbacks together on that cold and windy soccer field!
Ann Foerster Ryan
June 17, 2021
I received the sad news of James's death today. Ironically, our Casady class of 1962 had a Zoom gathering yesterday. I noted James' absence and wondered about him.
I first knew him at Wilson Elementary School in Oklahoma City. That would have been close to 70 years ago. We were in a car pool together when we went to Casady in 7th grade. Unfortunately after highschool we rarely saw one another, but our class was good about keeping addresses current. I was so happy when he was able to attend reunions and then joined our Zoom meetings during 2020.
One funny story: In the 1980's my husband and I were visiting friends in California and happened to be walking down a main thoroughfare in La Jolla. Up ahead about 50 feet I saw a man whom I knew quickly was James. Being an impulsive person, I yelled (to the surprise of many other pedestrians) "Thunder Lizard!". James of course recognized his highschool nickname and turned in surprise. We had a wonderful visit right there on the sidewalk!
James was a kind, gentle person, extraordinarily bright and with a clever wit. Despite his physical difficulties, he remained a wonderful person and someone dear to me.
My deepest sympathy to Victoria and family.
Ann Foerster Ryan
Bryan Bruns, MD
April 25, 2021
James was my teacher and then colleague at the UCSD Department of Psychiatry and then the San Diego Psychoanalytic Center in the 70's and 80's. He was bright, dedicated to his patients, and a excellent and provocative teacher. He will be missed.
Barbara Phillip's Munson, ret. R N
April 25, 2021
Dr. Morris, thank you for your kindness, knowledge and willingness to share your gifts to our community. This is a better place because of you. First class, top shelf physician. A model for all in the medical profession.
Ron Reinsch
April 22, 2021
Remembering as a neighbor for several years. I brilliant mind.
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