James A. Morris - Obituary

Jim Morris passed on September 16, 2023. A master at being heard before seen, Jim delighted in making everyone feel better with his resounding laughter. It worked. Born in Jersey City, NJ to Nora Curran and Patrick Morris on November 8, 1945. Jim graduated from St. Peters College in philosophy in 1968; then from George Washington University in rehabilitation counseling in 1970. He served in the U.S. Army ROTC from which he resigned as a Captain. Jim’s work and volunteer lives reflected his love of people in every setting. Over a 31-year career, he principally worked at the D.C. Superior Court, Division of Social Services in Adult and Juvenile Probation as well as Family Services before joining the new Federal Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency. Once retired from probation, Jim trained in mediation at the Center for Community Justice and worked as a volunteer child welfare mediator at the D.C. Superior Court’s Revolving Door Project. He then joined the Foundation for Home and Family as a Court consultant to social workers focused on the safety of children in the DC and MD foster care system. Afterwards, he joined their Board and remained involved in their mission until 2023. Family life developed in 1970 when Jim married his wife of now 53 years, Amy Zimmermann, from Ridgewood, NY. They were blessed with two children, Courtney and Todd, and raised them in Rockville, MD. Courtney has two daughters, Sydney and Juliana. Todd went on to marry Elycia Hall. They have two children, Reid, and Stella. Jim was a whole-hearted Redskins fan of the Joe Gibbs era and forever Navy college football enthusiast. He also had an exceptional ear and voice, an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music as well as music of the Big Band era, the Great American Songbook and Frank Sinatra. Jim volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Anne Arundel County. He facilitated family-to-family classes at AAMC, BWMC and area churches. In retirement, Jim resided at The Residences at Park Place, and later Baywoods of Annapolis; serving on the Boards of each property. It was at the United States Naval Academy that Jim became a Tour Guide at the Visitor Center. Jim saw in the Guide Service the perfect opportunity to combine his love of history, stand-up comedy and meeting new people. He served there happily for seven years, making great friendships with fellow tour guides along the way. Jim was an exceptional man. Always honest, loyal, insightful, and plain-spoken. NYFD Chaplain, Mychal Judge’s prayer captured the essence of Jim when he wrote, “to go where God wanted him to go; meet people God wanted him to meet; say what God wanted him to say and stay out of God’s way.” Jim is missed and loved always by his family and dear friends. Memorial gifts reflecting Jim’s passion for children and music might be made to: Lets Go Boys and Girls 574 Ritchie Highway, Suite E193 Severna Park, MD 21146-2925 Or Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Sounds of Impact/Education Fund ASO Maryland Hall 801 Chase Street, Suite 204 Annapolis, MD 21401 Jim’s Celebration of Life Gathering will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 2pm in Annapolis, MD. All are welcome to join at Saint Philips Episcopal Church located at 730 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.