Coach James (Jim) R. Morgan, Sr. breathed his last breath and entered into the presence of his heavenly father on Dec. 18, 2022. He was 90 years old. Jim will be remembered as a loving husband of 69 years, family man, teacher, coach, athlete, man of faith, and friend. He had a quick dry wit and a mischievous side smile that drew people in. He carried himself with a quiet self confidence. He was prone to break into song or quote a poem at any moment. He had a witty saying for most circumstances. He was a master gardener, could create basketball plays on any scrap piece of paper, and a handyman who could fix just about anything. He was a dog whisperer and left behind a cherished pet - Stanley. He lived a life that exhibited the values he held dear: love of God, family, hard work, commitment, love of sports, playfulness, and love of music. Jim was a high school teacher and coach for his entire professional career. He started at East Bend High School in 1954 where he taught and coached girls and boys basketball and baseball. After leaving East Bend, Coach Morgan went to East Surry High School to teach, coach basketball, and head the Athletic Department. His teams made numerous appearances in the state playoffs as well as winning district and conference championships. He eventually retired from coaching basketball only to start coaching golf. He coached his golf team to a state championship in 1987-88. Golf would become the sport that Jim would play into his senior years. In the end, Jim breathed his last breath in the front room of the house that he bought new and paid for. With his dog laying in his bed and his bride of 69 years close at hand, he went to heaven ready to try out his new legs when bowing to Jesus and playing ball with his new heavenly team. Jim is survived by his wife Mary Alice Comer Morgan; children, Kathy Morgan Crowe (Roger), Jim Morgan, Jr. (Susan), Glenda Morgan Shelton (Tim), Chris Morgan (Mary Anne), eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 1 p.m., Bethany Baptist Church, 600 Old Hollow Rd, Winston-Salem. Visitation will follow.

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Published by The Yadkin Ripple from Jan. 4 to Jan. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James Morgan

Sponsored by Twin City Cremations and Funeral Services.

20 Entries

Jessie M. Myers

December 22, 2024

I remember JimMorgan . I had him for Spanish at East Bend High School and he was very well liked and did so much to help his basketball teams. I played basketball for him and loved every moment. I remember at one game, he said if we had hit foul shots we would have won. I reminded him I had hit all of my foul shots. I don´t remember if the other forwards hit theirs. I really respected Jim. He knew what he was doing.

Dottie Cornelius & Jerry

January 16, 2023

We loved and respected you . Such a blessing to have know you and Nary Alice. Dottie & Jerry Cornelius

Mark Mickey

January 13, 2023

I haven't seen Jim since I was a child, but still recall Jim's warm smile even now.

Brenda Gough

January 13, 2023

You were an amazing coach and teacher, and I was blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for your constant motivation and encouragement. Those who touched our lives stay in our hearts forever! As you look down from Heaven´s Hall of Fame, I hope you smile at the lives you have touched.

Lorie Davis

January 10, 2023

Sorry for your loss. He was a great teacher and coach. East Surry class of 1992.

Shirley E. Tuttle

January 8, 2023

My love and sympathy to his sweet family. When talking with Mary Alice these last few months, I told her to tell Jim that I loved him and envied his beautiful gray hair. He is now an angel among us

Wanda Jessup Martin

January 5, 2023

Mr.Morgan, is such a kind an gentle man. Prayers for Mary Alice an the family.

Sandra Miller

January 4, 2023

What can I say about Coach Morgan? I posted something on Chris' blog, but I have to leave some memories here too. He had been basketball and baseball coach maybe 2 years when I started in first grade at East Bend. I knew from the beginning that I wanted to play basketball when I got in high school; well that was the only sport available for girls. When Coach handed me my used #3 red and black suit, I was elated. You see, I was short and small, so to win my position I had to be fast and able to shoot from a distance. By the time I reached my junior year Coach had developed my scoring ability pretty well for a runt. I loved the side corners! But the first game I got to play in the 9th grade, I think my hook shot embarrassed him. Bam, bam, bam and I'd scored 6 points! I was sure Coach would be really proud of me, but the wild hook did it--he jerked me out of the game. I don't know if it's true, but I was told that he said something to the effect of, "Let me get her off the court before she starts shooting out..." well, you get the idea. When I was seriously injured in a car wreck in '75, Coach Morgan was quick to respond with visits, and I'm sure prayers that I'd walk again. I got to sing "White Christmas" with him at a Sunday school Christmas party at his church. What a blessing! I can't wait to get to heaven to see him all well and happy, and he agreed with me during a telephone visit that there will be a court up there, if just for him, me, and some other players who admired him, as I did. Coach, you ran your race well and we'll have eternity to worship our Lord and give Him the glory for the most important victory of all--our salvation, through His blood! Family, you are in my thoughts and prayers! Sandra Hobson Miller

Jason Anderson

January 4, 2023

Jim will be remembered as a man of wisdom and strength by those who knew him. It was always fun to golf and watch and talk basketball with him. We will all miss his company, compassion, faithful wisdom and voice in the choir. Prayers and peace to all the family, we love you.

Steve Easter

January 4, 2023

Shirley Tuttle was just telling me about Jim. I'm Steve Easter son of Earl "Bub" Easter. My father talked often and fondly of his friend before he crossed over in 2015 My Uncles Roger and Rayford did also. I'll share one story. He and my dad and few other were trying to call foxes in (Hunting) with a caller up at shepherd hill just outside Walkertown. They had called it a night and we headed back to the vehicle. I hopped in the back but as I did I stepped on Styrofoam cooler and it busted. My dad gave a growl and and stern look of anger. Jim grabbed me up in his arms told Bub to chill and said it was ok. I remember how tight he held me and the love. But most of all that smile....I'm sorry I never got to tell him thank you. He was truly Dads best friend. Love to family.

Franklin Macy--Class of 1964 East Bend High School

January 2, 2023

Coach Morgan was one of the finest people I have ever known....My school years have so many precious memories of him.....so very thankful to have known him.. May God give you all comfort and peace today and in the days to come....

Lydia Mills

January 2, 2023

A wonderful tribute to this wonderful man, coach, teacher! We was always kind and humble to all he met! Fond memories at East Surry!

Lydia Mills
East Surry High School 1979

Michelle Rogers Nichols MD

January 2, 2023

What a beautiful tribute. There was no one like Coach Morgan! May God comfort the family.

Michelle Rogers Nichols MD
ESH '1986

Philip Whitney

January 2, 2023

My name is Philip Whitney and I was the bat boy for Whitney Furniture when Jim played with us. Most of his time with us he played catcher. Some of the things that earned his entry into the Hall of Fame: his versatility to play many positions; he was probably the best lead-off hitter in softball; he was lighting fast on his feet, and I save the best to last. He had a sneaky little bunt where he just dropped his bat, usually behind his body, catching all off guard. My father, Merle Whitney, Jr., frequently declared him as the best catcher in softball and one of the top overall players in the country. As a person I remember him as kind, dedicated, and a great athlete to respect in every way, on and off the field.

Jayne Gordon Cannon

January 1, 2023

Kathy and Morgan family,
What a wonderful and full life he lived and I know his impact went far and wide. Praying for peace and comfort as you navigate without him.

David K. Hobson

January 1, 2023

Coach Morgan was my 9th grade homeroom and physical education teacher - that was after the old portion of East Bend School had burned in the spring of 1964. Good memories of him. Then I last saw him at the 2015 60th Reunion of the EBHS Class of 1955 for which I was one of the mascots. My sister, Lunda H. Honeycutt was in that class. I think I finally realized the connection - Coach Morgan's first year teaching at EBHS was their Senior Year. Prayers and condolences in your earthly loss.

Karen Baucom Johnson

December 31, 2022

What a great coach and teacher. He taught me how to drive!! East Surry High School class of 1975

Jessie Myers

December 31, 2022

So sorry to hear about Coach Morgan´s passing. Did not know he was sick. I thought a lot of him. I would be sitting in Spanish class at East Bend High and some boys were behind me and I would see an eraser fly by my head. He was aiming for the boys that were misbehaving. He was loved and respected by everyone.

Lloyd McCormick, Class of 63 EBHS

December 31, 2022

Sorry to hear about Coach Morgan passing away. He was my physical ed teacher at East Bend High School. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jackie and Carolyn Felts

December 30, 2022

Sorry for your loss. He now joins his savior and friends that have gone before him without pain and suffering. Jackie has talked about coach Morgan and how he would get on to him if he came to school if he didn´t have his shirt tail in or dirty shoes (school requirements). He liked the coach.

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