Katie Jackson Morrison

Katie Jackson Morrison

February 17, 1974

March 20, 2010

Katie Jackson Morrison and her two beautiful children Hannah and Wyatt Morrison of Truckee, CA died Sunday, March 20th in a tragic plane accident near Barstow, CA.

A beloved wife, mother, daughter and sister, Katie brought tremendous joy to those lucky enough to have known her. Born on February 17th, 1974 to parents Carol and Laban Jackson, she and her older brother Phelps grew up in Lexington, KY and spent their summers in Harbor Springs, MI. She attended the Taft School in Watertown, CT from 1989-1992, where her dynamic leadership was valued in all areas of student life. She was consistently elected to the student government and was chosen her senior year to be captain of all three of the varsity sports she played. Braden Bergan, one of Katie's closest friends, remembers what it was like to be at Taft with Katie. ""She had a charisma that people gravitated to. I felt so proud saying she was my friend that it almost felt like bragging.""

Katie put her athletic talents and enthusiasm to remarkable use her whole life. At Georgetown University, from which she graduated in 1996, Katie ""walked on"" to the women's varsity basketball team. She played guard until a back injury forced her to the sidelines. As an adult, she was an avid golfer, skier, runner and-just as energetically-a devoted fan of the University of Kentucky basketball team.

After graduating from Georgetown, Katie moved to San Francisco to pursue a career in commercial real estate. While in California, she met and fell in love with Jim Morrison, a professional skier and successful contractor. Shortly thereafter, Katie moved to Truckee, CA to be with Jim. Married in September of 2000, Katie worked in commercial real estate in the Reno and Tahoe markets-becoming a founding member and President of a local chapter of CREW (Women in Commercial Real Estate). She and Jim shared a love of the outdoors, where they spent free time hiking, camping, skiing and flying.

Their passion for flying opened up yet another venue for Katie to demonstrate her dedication and much-valued leadership skills. Katie served on the Truckee Tahoe Airport Community Advisory Team, was President of the Lake Tahoe Chapter of the 99's Organization of Women Pilots and was elected this past September to the Board of Trustees of the Truckee Tahoe Airport District. She was absolutely committed to maintaining both the excellence of the airport and the pristine environment of the mountains and lakes around Truckee, an outdoor community she called a ""jewel."" John Jones, Katie's fellow board member explains ""Katie was a passionate pilot and a highly regarded member of the Truckee flying community.""

Katie's love of flying, and her generous nature, also came together in her volunteer work. She had completed her first ""angel flight"" to transport patients, and had planned to continue this effort to others in need. As part of her continual effort to grow, she was also working on her commercial pilot's license.

An adventurous sportswoman, community leader, accomplished businesswoman and compassionate friend, Katie was first and foremost devoted to her family. The deep love that she and Jim brought to their marriage was reflected in the joyous zest for life they shared with their two children, Wyatt and Hannah, as well as extended family on both sides.

Wyatt James Morrison was born in Truckee in 2004. A sweet and energetic kindergartner at Lake Tahoe School, Wyatt loved airplanes, Legos, his pet bearded-dragon ""Elisabeth"" and snow skiing. He had a ready smile and was a protective and supportive older brother. Hannah Keys Morrison was born in Truckee in 2005. Hannah's wide grin was usually accompanied by a glint of playful mischief and she loved jumping off things, riding her scooter and bicycle, and she was rarely more than a second behind her big brother. A pre-kindergartner at Lake Tahoe School, she also loved art, making jewelry and practicing ballet. Both Hannah and Wyatt were avid swimmers, enthusiastic travelers and a source of tremendous joy to family and friends.

Katie, Wyatt and Hannah are survived by their loving husband and father Jim Morrison, Katie's parents Labe and Carol Jackson, Katie's brother Phelps and his wife and children, as well as a multitude of friends both in the community and across the country.

Besides being survived by Grandparents Labe and Carol Jackson, the children Hannah & Wyatt Morrison are survived by their paternal grandparents Rob W and Jo Ann Morrison of Reno, NV, parents to their children's father Jim Morrison.

A Memorial was held Thursday March 24 at 4:00pm at the Martis Camp Family Barn. 7901 Fleur De Lac. Truckee, CA 96161. A reception immediately followed. In honor of Katie, the California State Senate is closed on Thursday March, 24.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to two organizations.
Corporate Angel Network, Inc.
Westchester County Airport
One Loop Road
White Plains, NY 10604-1215
Phone 914-328-1313
http://www.corpangelnetwork.org/


LAKE TAHOE SCHOOL
995 Tahoe Boulevard
Incline Village, Nevada 89451
Phone: (775) 831-5828
http://www.laketahoeschool.org/