James Edwin Morgan

James Edwin Morgan was born in Asheville, NC, on January 24, 1945, to Dexter and Pauline Morgan. He was the 4th of 6 children. James aka "Jimmy" was a resident of Swannanoa, NC for most of his life. He grew up in Beacon Village (on Richmond Avenue) and graduated from Charles D. Owen (class of '63) where he was in the band. He loved music and was an accomplished guitarist and percussionist. His ear for jazz was unlike most, and he could pick up a song after hearing it just once. James especially loved to make music with his brothers.
It was his love of music that led him to the Navy. James enlisted on March 19, 1964, and served as a Naval musician. During his tenure in the Navy, he served a tour in Vietnam where he earned a service medal and the National Defense medal. At the rank of MU2 he was discharged in April of 1968. Civilian life wasn't for James and subsequently he continued his military service in the Air Force from 1968 until his retirement in 1984. During this time, he served in Vietnam again for 13 months and upon return was stationed in places such as SC, NM, AL, TN and TX. He retired as a Tech Sgt. While in the Air Force James received numerous commendations including the Bronze Star. James continued his government service as a USPS letter carrier from 1986 to 2010. He carried the mail in West Asheville and made people smile while delivering junk mail and bills.
His greatest joy in life was his family. James had a great smile, a witty sense of humor and loved deeply. He was welcoming to all, never knew a stranger, selfless, loyal, brave, compassionate and hardworking, he set an example to his family. He liked corn dogs, rocking babies, making music, watching game shows and was a strawberry milkshake "connoisseur". He could tell a GREAT bedtime story. He wasn't a fan of change and refused to carry anything other than a flip phone. He was one of a kind and will be missed dearly.
James was a loving husband to Brenda Williams Morgan (daughter of David and Nell) for 59 years. Brenda and James have 4 children: Greg Morgan (Nathalie), Philip Morgan (Tammy), Janelle Morgan Flint (Nathan), and Tyler Morgan (engaged to Katie Betts). Eight living grandchildren: Andrew Morgan (Ashley), Wesley Morgan (Kaitlyn), Joseph Flint, Jesse Flint, JoyAnn Flint, Jonathan Flint, James Flint, and Leah Morgan. Also, James and Brenda have five great grandchildren: A.J, Melody, Harmony, Ronen and Jasper. James was preceded in death by his grandson, Alex Morgan; his sister, Frances Allen; and parents, Dexter and Pauline.
This last year (post Helene) took James and Brenda to SC to live for what they thought was a temporary placement. Life had other plans and after 10 months they moved into assisted living. On Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, James transferred to his last duty assignment where he will serve the Lord eternally. The family would like to thank the staff, administration and care team at The Residences in Greer, SC, the Greer Kidney Center, and Pelham Medical Center, Lana and Brooke special care givers All Ways Caring, Interim Health Care, the Charles George VA Medical Center, Asheville Kidney Center and MSA Hospice for all they've done for James, Brenda and the family.
A service will be held at Harwood Home for Funerals in Black Mountain, NC on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you would consider supporting the work and service of Veteran's Last Patrol based out of Spartanburg, SC. You can donate at: https://secure.anedot.com/veteran/donate.