John Spencer Morris

John Spencer Morris

John Morris Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 4, 2009.
John Spencer Morris John Spencer Morris, born in Washington, D.C. to William Ross Morris, Jr. and Ann Barnes Morris, died tragically on Monday, August 31. John grew up in Washington, DC and graduated from The University of Virginia in 1988. John moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota in the early 90's where he met the love of his life, Ann (Smithwick). For the past 4 years, they have resided in Austin, Texas. John is preceded in death by his father, William Ross Morris, Jr and his mother Ann Barnes Morris as well as his grandparents Wade Bernard Barnes, Ann Armistead Barnes, Dr. William Ross Morris and Helen "Sunny" Morris. John is survived by his loving wife, Ann Smithwick Morris, and his three beautiful sons, John "Jack" William, age 5, William Spencer, age 18 months, and David Ross, age 18 months; his brother William Ross Morris, III and his sister Page Armistead Morris. His parents-in-law include the late Richard Charles Smithwick and Violet Ann Smithwick; his sisters-in-law Molly Morris, Constance Smithwick, Nancy Smithwick, Julie Smithwick and Cathy Smithwick; brothers-in-law the late Richard Smithwick, the late David Smithwick, and John "Jack" Smithwick. He is survived by three nieces Brittany Ann Katz, Katherine Crawford Smith and Paula Anne Hoeppner. Surviving nephews include David Burke Smith, David Neal Smithwck, Duncan Spencer Morris and Christopher Ross Morris. John was a lover of life and was passionate about everything in it. He loved music, playing his guitar, singing and writing songs and was in several bands. He was an avid outdoorsman, spending his time water skiing, boating and snow skiing. People who met him were instantly drawn to his charm and openness, quick wit and gentle nature. There will never be another one like him...the best father, husband, brother, son and friend. He was magic. All who knew John were forever touched. John, with his passion for his family and friends and his incredible smile, will forever remain their shining light and hero. The family welcomes all who wish to join us in honoring and celebrating John's life. The memorial service will be held at the Morris home on Friday, September 4 at 6:30 p.m. Guests are requested to wear white. Please hold this family in your hearts and prayers. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com

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August 6, 2025

David riester posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2018

Arthur Russell posted to the memorial.

October 1, 2009

Someone posted to the memorial.

David riester

August 6, 2025

I knew john from our days playing tennis together in the summer.
I was able to track down what happened to my friend on the internet.
It was so tragic. John was funny and nice and kind.
His death was a tragedy as was his father's and mother's
What a fun family.
David Riester

Arthur Russell

July 12, 2018

To Johns Wife


I found out about Johns passing a few years ago. I was attempting to catch up with him through of all things Facebook. From there the trail led to information on his passing. I sat on that news stunned for a while and have only decided to look more into his life.

I probably had not talked to John since the late 80's ( We went to Salisbury School togehter and I lived in the Maryland Suburbs) but when I heard he had passed it felt like I had lost a big brother.

John had an infectious personality. We had great times togther but I remember his kind "tough Love" he would dole out with that great smile. Truly miss him but felt blessed to have him in my life.

Anne, if this reaches you prayerfully you are continuaing to live life "Completely Full" as I know John lived his life.

This addition to your Guest Book is almost 9 years since his passing. At this point, its more cathardic for me and more kind words to remember him by.

Wish you and your boys the best

October 1, 2009

Dear Ann,
Our hearts go out to you; we learned about John as the word went around the neighborhood in Minneapolis; we are so saddened by this and thinking a lot about you and the children.

To us you will always be a neighbor! We send warm thoughts and support to you and yours,
--Michael and Lyn

Tammy

September 28, 2009

I also knew John from NH. So full of life and so sweet...hahaha...yet a charming little devil at the same time. he was truly one of a kind that the world was blessed to have for the short time we did. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. This is a real tragedy. The summers on the lake hold so many memories, one that sticks out was him playing his guitar and singing the song about his Dad in the "tea room". I was in tears. That was over 20 years ago and I remember it like yesterday. I am thankful he continued to have that vibrant smile and was able to love as he obviously loves Ann and was able to pass on his genes to what will prove to be 3 wonderful boys (as I am sure you have a lot to do with that Ann! He would not have chosen you if he wasn't feeling that you were worthy!!!!!!). He will be with you forever.
God Bless you all, Ann, the boys, Billy, and Paige, as well as the rest of the family.
I have not spoken to him in over 20 years, but I will celebrate the many memories I have.

Sandy Marriott Bertha

September 21, 2009

What a tragedy. I have so many wonderful memories of John and all our summers we spent on the Lake in NH. We boated, played tennis, waterskied double, laughed, danced, and I listened to him play his guitar on the dock many a night. His smile was warm and charming, his kindness to everyone was real. Everyone was attracted to him b/c of his love of life. I am so glad I have these memories. They made up a big part of my youth. I look forward to seeing Paige and Billy at the funeral and I can't wait to meet Anne. My heart truly goes out to you Anne. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

September 17, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ian Ogilvie

September 15, 2009

To John's Family,

I knew John at boarding school in the 1980s. It was a place where adolescent boys were thrust together and often left to their own devices, for better but often worse.

I remember John as having the calm ability to navigate the place. He was kind and mostly unflappable in a place where that steadiness was not often rewarded.

John struck me as having an inner compass that others (including myself) for the most part lacked. While others could be swayed to extremes, John would not. He stayed true to something inside.

I never told him I admired him, so I am telling you. I hope you all find the strength and courage to make it through these painful days, to get to the far better days that are sure to come.

Robbie Moore

September 11, 2009

Dear Ann,

I was a friend of John's from Minneapolis. I used to sing in a band with his friends Jeff and Paul. I was so very deeply saddened to hear about John's passing. I had literally just been thinking about him and wondering where he was these days because unfortunately through time and distance we had lost touch.

I will ALWAYS be grateful to John for the huge impact he had on my life. It was he who lovingly nudged me into the Vistar program and thus changed the whole trajectory of my life and I couldn't be more thankful. He had the guts to give me tough love as he only could with that bright smile on his face.

I remember while John was recording his album "Keep Off The Grass" I was able to be around for the process and I was so impressed with John's skill and get it done attitude. I love that album.

My love goes out to you and your sons. Please know I'm holding you in my prayers and warmest thoughts.
My husband too is a musician and he will be on tour in Austin in February. If you're able to, I would love to invite you to his show. Music can help heal a heart and though it's a small thing I would like to extend that invitation to you and your heart:)

Fondest thoughts,
Robbie Brooks Moore

Lee Adams

September 10, 2009

I was fortunate to have known John during my boarding school years at Salisbury. He was a friend, a confidante, and perhaps one of the best examples of a selfless soul who truly "walked the walk" of placing others' concerns above his own. This rang true during a lazy spring day in 1983 when John and I were sitting on the hillside playing our acoustics. John was always talented beyond his years with the guitar so more often I was learning from him which was harder still because he played right-handed and I played left-handed. On one challenging James Taylor song I just couldn't keep up. The next time we got together to play, I saw that John had re-strung his guitar left-handed. As it turned out, he had relearned how to play the song left-handed so I would have an easier time learning it. In a nutshell, that was John. He brought a lot of love to this world. I am stunned to hear that that he has been living in the same city as me for so many years. Ann, if there is anything I can ever do please let me know.

Mondy Beller

September 10, 2009

Page:
My deepest sympathies to you and your brother Billy. I have such fond memories of John from our UVA days. Although I had not seen John in a long time, the news of his passing came as a huge shock. I am truly saddened and my heart goes out to his wife and three boys.

Stefanie Bachhuber

September 9, 2009

Billy and Paige - my deepest sympathies. I remember John from our days at Tulane and always remember the smiles and laughter he brought to everyone around him.

molly ciardi

September 7, 2009

Dear Ann,
I am heartbroken about Johns death, a horrible loss to so many, but most of all to you and your boys.
I wish I had met you as we are both Green Bay girls. And because you are a Green Bay girl I know you are a special person who has wonderful qualities and strengths that will sustain you forever. That is no doubt why John chose you to be his beloved wife. He always had perfect taste! I am looking forward to meeting you one day. I am Ian and Kerry's mother.
My best love to you, we are all thinking of you and your pain and loss, and praying for you and your boys.
Molly Maloney ciardi
P.S. I lived in De Pere, 903 fox river Dr.

Kim S.

September 7, 2009

I heard about John's passing through a friend who lives in your neighborhood. I am touched by his story and want to reach out to tell you that even strangers like me are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May the love of family and friends sustain you, and may God bless you and ease your grief.

Rich Mann

September 6, 2009

To Anne and the boys,
I cannot express the sadness I feel upon learning of Johns passing. I only new John briefly but was taken in by his warmth of character and his wonderful smile. It was always on his face and it was truly genuine, a rare trait now a days. He honestly cared about everyone he met. Everyone who knew him will profoundly miss him. I will always remember and cherish his friendship.

Joanie Correll

September 5, 2009

Dearest Ann, I only knew you, John, Jack and the twins through the many events shared with my son, Kim and his Julia and Isabelle. But also through his music, "Picasso's Thinking", I have felt that I knew him on a personal level. His tragic accident has affected me deeply. Please accept my love for you and yours.

Julie Bailey

September 5, 2009

I remet John at a James Taylor concert last fall. He made a banner evening turn stellar! I had just moved from Wolfeboro, N.H. I had known his parents, Bill And Ann. I was delighted to find out that this young man was the little John Morris who used to come by boat across the lake to get ice cream from Bailey's. We turned the intermission into remembrances of Wolfeboro,N.H. And I was so enchanted with his smile and easy going manner. I was also touched by the similarities of his family to one of my children's--namely 3 boys --one older and twins; and the age differences. How good could life be with John touching it!! I am blessed to have remet him. May his family remember him with smiles as he so willingly shared. John was a blessing.

Cheryl and Scott Miller

September 4, 2009

Though we only had occasion to meet John a few times, he was so approachable and instantly likable. Our deepest condolences go out to you, yours sons and family.

antonio quintos

September 4, 2009

John touched so any people through his smile and music. I met him and Jack in a park and immediately took a liking to him. Our good friendship will stay in my hearth forever. God bless your family Ann and give you the strength to carry on.

Tony Quintos

September 4, 2009

Ann, you and your boys are in our thoughts. I never got a chance to meet John in person, but I felt as if I knew him. It was always great to see you light up with your stories of John. Be strong during this difficult time.
Seth, Shannon, Hayden, and Rowan Schreiber

Andy Krawczyk

September 4, 2009

John, I will always remember you for your smile and free way about life. Thanks for all those summer days on the water on Long Lake in Minnesota wake boarding, skiing, and just hanging out. Also all of those Thursday nights at the Fine Line watching Boogie Wonderland. You will me missed dearly, and I will never forget you. I love You and miss You! Andy

September 4, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers will be forever with you and the boys Ann.
May god grant you strength and courage as you work through these hard times.
We love you!
Joe Lori Sophie Sam and Kylie Krawczyk

Hugo MN

Sara Ramaker

September 4, 2009

We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We never met John, but feel we "knew" him through Vi's many wonderful stories about her visits with the family. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sara Ramaker, Eyddie Strand & Sharon Mauldin (Vi's exercise companions)

Tim Moncrief

September 4, 2009

I am so saddened and shocked by the loss. I often tell the story of John coming to our trailer when we were selling the lots on the lake. He wanted 4-5 acres, and we were only selling 1 acre lots. So I joking said, "well, buy 4 or five lots". So he did. The home he built was a work of art. Our hearts are with the entire family.

Ian & Sarah Wills

September 4, 2009

Our love and thoughts are with you - we feel so blessed and lucky to have known him and his smile, warmth and friendliness were unique and will continue to shine on...

Beverly Neville

September 4, 2009

May God grant the family and friends of John strength, courage and peace that will pass all understanding.

patty belisle

September 4, 2009

I am very saddened by this news. My heart and prayers are with you and yours. He left behind, a "silver lining of memories". I feel very blessed to have known him.

Sherri & Brian McCue

September 4, 2009

Our hearts are saddened by John's passing. It was too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ann, the kids, and both she and John's family. May you find some solace in the days ahead. John was a new friend but it felt that we had known him for years. His warming, calm nature touched many lives. We are lucky to have known him only a short time. Rest in Peace John.

Paul and Jennifer Buck

September 4, 2009

May you be comforted by the many, many friends John had. He never met a stranger and truly was a bright light. Our love and prayers are with you and the boys.

September 4, 2009

to the family of john,
my deepest condolences and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. i did not know him or any of you....
i am so sorry for all of you and for your loss. i know it is a senseless tragedy and I hope one day you will begin to move past the grief and remember this man for how amazing he is.
I will pray for all of you and will continue to pray for yall.
God Bless all of you.

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August 6, 2025

David riester posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2018

Arthur Russell posted to the memorial.

October 1, 2009

Someone posted to the memorial.