James Allen Morris

James Allen Morris

Salem - James (Jim) Allen Morris, went home to his Heavenly Father on July 26, 2020 in Salem, Oregon at the age of 87.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri to Clarence and Amelia (Bender) Morris, Jim was married to Louise (Imbach) Morris for 61 years. They have three children: Linda, Kevin and Nathan.

Jim graduated from Shawnee Mission High School in Kansas City, Kansas, attended Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada, where he met Louise Imbach, and upon graduation joined Overseas Missionary Fellowship to devote his live to serve God as missionary in Southeast Asia. Jim and Louise were married in 1959. Between terms on the field Jim continued his studies, receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas in 1968, and at Fuller Seminary, School of World Mission, in Pasadena, California. Throughout his life Jim was a dynamic preacher and teacher.

Jim and Louise pioneered the Christian church among the Pwo Karen of North Thailand, living in remote tribal villages and immersing themselves in the lives of the people. While providing medical services and literacy to the Karen, they started the work of translating the Holy Bible into their language, while establishing churches that continue to flourish today. The translation was finished in 2016. The work God accomplished through Jim and Louise was captured in Louise's book, Stronger than the Strong, published by OMF in 1998. Jim served in several leadership positions with OMF in the later years of his career.

Following his semi-retirement in 2000, he moved to Salem to be near family. He continued consulting with OMF, teaching at Corban University, and maintaining shepherding roles with local congregations including the New Life International Baptist Church in Portland.

Jim is remembered for his kindness, humility, and cheerfulness. He was esteemed as a spiritual mentor who would challenge and encourage others, always staying true to his spiritual calling, and cherished by those he encountered all over the world.

Deeply loved by his family, Jim is survived by sister Barbara Hall, brother David Morris, wife Louise Morris, and children, Linda (and Dan) Farrington, Kevin Morris (and Diana Norwood), and Nathan (and Kelly) Morris. He was grandfather to 14 children, and great-grandfather to seven.

A service will be held for Jim at the Salem Heights Church on August 14, 6:30pm, and live-streamed via Salem Heights

Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/800210247418935/. A private family graveside celebration will be held on August 15, in Camp Creek, Oregon.

In lieu of gifts or flowers the family asks that you please send a donation to The Jonathan Project (#P88001) at OMF International,10 West Dry Creek Circle, Littleton CO 80120, in memory of Jim Morris.