James Curtis Morton

James Curtis Morton, a loving father and dedicated family man, passed away peacefully at the Life Care Center in Waynesville, MO on January 11, 2026. Born on March 10, 1932 in Rural Adair County, James led a life filled with hard work, love, and devotion to his family.

James's career journey began with various jobs that included working for local farmers, where he initially invested in a tractor. Despite selling it due to underwhelming earnings, he continued to seek new opportunities, eventually finding himself working for Clapper King Seed. His adventurous spirit led him to California, where he spent time at an orange juice factory, often recounting memories of enjoying the plentiful oranges. However, it was his return to Missouri that marked a significant point in his life, as he took his first plane ride. Over the years, he contributed to several local businesses, including Otis Harmony, McGraw Edison, and Schuyler County Nursing Home, as well as the Shelter Work Stop. A supportive husband, he also assisted his wife in running a cleaning company.

An alumnus of Hazelcreek School, James was known for his loving personality and deep attachment to family traditions. He shared his zest for life through his hobbies, which included hunting and fishing, activities that brought him joy and fulfillment.

James celebrated the milestone of marrying Sandra Griggs on July 16, 1960. Together, they enjoyed 55 years of marriage until her passing on April 22, 2016, a testament to their enduring love and commitment to one another.

Left to cherish his memory are his son Kerry Morton of Troy, MO; daughter Stacy (Curtis) Cretton-Thompson of Eldridge, MO; son-in-law Leo Hovar of Lancaster, MO; brothers Bob (Margie) Morton of Effingham, IL, Wayne (Sue) Morton of Kirksville, MO, Doug (Donna) Morton of Kirksville, MO, and Keith Morton of Kirksville, MO; sisters Glady (Danny) Johnson of Kankakee, IL and Joyce Billington of Kankakee, IL; sister in laws Rachel Morton-Young and Janet Morton, grandchildren Daman (Aby) Morton, Brian Hovar, and Adrian Hovar Rice, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Orval and Ruby Morton, beloved wife Sandra Morton, infant child, daughter Shelda Hovar, grandson Frankie Thompson, brothers Joe Morton, Talmage "Tuck" Morton, Wendell Morton, and Richard Lee Morton, sisters Shirly Fulk and Lavonne Newberry, sister in laws Kathy Morton and Karreon Morton, brother in laws Robert Newberry, Wayne Fulk, and Bill Johnson, son-in-law William (Bill) Cretton, niece Cheryl Taylor, and nephews James and David Fulk.

A Celebration of Life for James Curtis Morton will be held on Saturday January 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the corner of Hazelcreek and Morton Rd., 21396 Morton Rd, Kirksville, MO 63501. His profound impact on the lives he touched will always be remembered.