James Richard Morgan

MORGAN JAMES RICHARD
Passed away November 7, 2008, after his struggle with emphysema and lung cancer. He is survived by his loving wife Anna Hitchcock Morgan, and daughters from a previous marriage to Mildred D'Agostino Morgan, Constance and husband Roger Falasco, Judy and husband Dave Collister, Marianne and husband Rick Gold, Millie and husband Drew Haynam. Seven grandchildren Molly, Caity and Grace Falasco, Grant and Alex Collister, Melissa and Arthur Haynam. Step children Carol Janes, Tom and wife Lorraine Janes and Charlie and Cari Janes. Step Grandchildren Halle Cupp and Tommy Janes, Madison and Lauren Janes. Two sisters, Iris McManus, and Roberta Hogan husband Earl Hogan, one brother David Morgan (deceased) and many nieces and nephews. James was Born in Bellevue PA and moved to Cleveland Ohio in1955. Ever the performer James was a professional vocalist and played the trumpet, Valve trombone and French horn. In his early days he performed at the Point View Hotel in Pittsburgh, the Cow Shed and Oakland Beach Hotel in Conneaut Lake with the Jimmy Morgan Band and Melodies by Morgan. His musical talents led him half way around the world to Germany in his tour of duty in the Army during the Korean war. He was a member of the Cleveland Federation of Musicians Local 4 he played many gigs before he settled down to raise a family. James began working at Bandstand Records in Cleveland eventually owning the company from 1957 to 1976. Jim was also ahead of his time pioneering the first mobile disco founding Disco to Go in 1977. Warner communications took advantage of Jim's consummate music industry expertise and hired him as a sales rep. Jim retired from Warner brothers records in 1990 after a highly successful career in sales including several industry awards. True to his love of music Jim was back to playing music in several orchestras entertaining countless more music fans in several bands including the Lakeland Civic Band, the Hillcrest Band and the Chagrin Valley Chamber Orchestra . In 1996 WKHR hired Jim as a DJ where at 68 years young he wrote and recorded their jingle. It soon became his favorite pastime playing the music he loved from the Big Band Era. His Sinatra hour was a fan favorite. Jim was proud to be a long time member of the SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) and the United Methodist Church of Chagrin Falls Ohio. He traveled the east coast and Europe on bicycle tours in the 1980s as another passion often backpacking along the routes. He was an excellent craftsman - creating beautiful furniture for his home as well as custom made rocking horses for his grandchildren. Jim and Anna have traveled extensively since their marriage in 1987 - even to Australia and New Zealand. His musical talents extend deep into the next generation and Jim enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their leading roles and musical performances. He will be sadly missed by his family and everyone who knew him. Family will receive friends Friday November 14th from 6 - 8 p.m. at STROUD-LAWRENCE FUNERAL HOME 95 South Franklin Street Chagrin Falls, Ohio. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday November 15th at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Chagrin Falls 20 South Franklin St Chagrin Falls, Ohio. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to WKHR 91.5 www.wkhr.org 17425 Snyder Road Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023 or The United Methodist Church 20 S Franklin St. Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
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