Joel Morris Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Joel began his career as a history teacher with a particular passion for the Civil War. His dedication to education led him into school administration, ultimately earning a doctorate in education. Over the years, Joel served as superintendent for several school districts, including West Chicago School District 94, Dubuque Community Schools, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, and Maine Township High School District 207. His leadership and commitment to academic excellence earned him numerous accolades throughout his career, including Superintendent of the Year for the State of Illinois in 1995. Joel retired in 2009.
Joel is survived by his sister Rebecca McKinney (Kevin), son Jeffrey Morris (Jennifer), daughter Janine Pickett (Joshua), grandchildren Jackson and Cooper Morris, Reagan, Sebastian, and Caleb Pickett, nieces Brenna Duffy (Joshua) and Kelsey McKinney, great-nieces Sloane and Shea Duffy. He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Russell and Eliza Morris.
A memorial service will be held on February 20, 2025, at Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home, located at 435 North York Street in Elmhurst, Illinois. A visitation will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, followed by a short memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a tribute donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research: http://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3115&np=true
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Stacy Jager
February 28, 2025
I had the pleasure of teaching piano to Joel weekly while he was at StoryPoint. He was so well spoken and had such a love for music. He was one of only two residents that performed at the Christmas piano recital there in December. He played the melody of Ode to Joy and New World Symphony. He did a great job. Please reach out if you´d like the video to that. He is loved and missed. My condolences to you all. [email protected]
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Steve Kimery
February 19, 2025
To the family of Joel Morris, I am offering my deepest sympathy. I was acquainted with Joel when he was the Superintendent at West Chicago High School and I was the Dean of Students. I knew both his children as they were students during his tenure. Joel loved his occupation and excelled as a leader. He knew n how to recognize leadership qualities in people and could place them where needed. I never found him to play favorites. He got along with the students, faculty, and the community. He carried himself in a respectful manner and was a positive influence on those around him. He was a good man.
Steve Kimery
José Argüello
February 18, 2025
I worked with Joel Morris to negotiate a bargaining agreement at Maine 207 when he was Superintendent there. We were sitting on opposite sides of the table. He distinguished himself as a man of decency, a true gentleman. I am very sorry of hearing of the passing of a good man and my heart goes out to his loved ones. The world is truly worse off without him.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
435 North York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Make a Donation
in Joel Morris's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
People and places connected with Joel
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Joel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joel Morris's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
