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1931
2018
Memphis TN - John H. "Jack" Morris III, died Friday, January 12, 2018, two days after his 87th birthday. Although he had developed health problems natural for his age, his death was sudden. On Thursday he was at work, in his office at Jack Morris Auto Glass, where he had been most every business day since 1955.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jane; two sisters, Ann Heffernan and Carole Bizot; four children, John (Laura), LuAnne Burkett (Wayne), Linda, Paul (Mary); eight grandchildren, Jeff Burkett (Taryn), Ryan Burkett, Sarah Morris, Buck Morris, Bailey Morton, Sydney Morton, Courtland Morris, and Alison Morris; and two great grandchildren. He also leaves many other beloved relatives, coworkers, and friends.
He was born in Memphis during the Great Depression to parents John and Mary Kirk Morris. His father died when he was ten years old, and he began working at an early age to help support his family. He graduated from Memphis Technical High School and attended Memphis State before joining the Air National Guard during the Korean War.
He met Jane on a blind date while they were both in high school, she at Central. They married on March 4, 1955, as the first couple to wed at Colonial Park Methodist Church. They soon joined Christ United Methodist Church, where Jack was heavily involved in leadership for decades.
Jack worked as a zone manager for International Harvester before joining Jane's stepfather in the auto glass business. Jack quickly grew the business, later becoming its sole owner and renaming it Jack Morris Auto Glass. Jack was well known nationally in the glass industry, having served as the president of the National Glass Association, and he received many offers to grow the business nationally. But Jack always wanted to stay close to Memphis, the city he loved.
Jack's favorite hobby was serving Memphis as a civic leader. At various times he was the chairman of: the Memphis Jaycees; Memphis Light, Gas and Water; Memphis Chamber of Commerce; Mid-South Fair; Lambuth College; and the Regional Medical Center, the Med. He also served as a board member of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, the 911 board, Memphis Airport Commission, and MS Carriers. He was named Outstanding Jaycee of the Year, Outstanding Kiwanian of the Year, and Chief Goodfellow. Jack received the Lambuth College Presidential Award, an honorary doctor of laws degree, and the Methodist Healthcare Foundation Life Inspiration Award.
Jack was active in politics. He was elected to represent Memphis in the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1962. He managed Buford Ellington's successful West Tennessee campaign for governor in 1966. In 1968, Jack and Jane represented Tennessee at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He served on the Shelby County Election Commission from 1969-1974 and was appointed by Governor Lamar Alexander to the Southern Growth Policies Board in 1979.
Jack spearheaded the group that started Libertyland in 1977. He was instrumental in the effort to build the new home for the University of Memphis Loewenberg School of Nursing. And he helped support the construction of Methodist Healthcare's Hospice Residence. He helped save the Med from near collapse, guiding the organization through a leadership transition, and he helped sustain his church during challenging times.
In a 2014 book about Jack, entitled "A Heart for Memphis," author David Yawn observes, "Jack's life is a model for those wanting to grow a successful service business, those wanting to make a difference in their community, those wanting to be surrounded by a large and loving family and church community, or those simply wanting to live a happy, fulfilling, and complete life."
Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5-7pm at Christ United Methodist Church. A memorial service followed by a reception will be on Wednesday beginning at 2pm at Christ United Methodist Church. Donations may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, Church Health, MIFA, or the Memphis charity of donor's choosing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Memphis Funeral Home - Poplar.
January 18, 2018
Sarah Lewis
I remember in the mid to late 70's, I had to take my Turquoise Cougar to Jack Morris Auto Glass to have the door window repaired. I worked in East Memphis and wasn't sure how I could leave my car and get to work. He never hesitated -- got right up from his desk and drove me to work. Such a nice, humble person. Took time out of his busy day for a young kid like me. My condolences to the family as well as to the "work" family.
January 18, 2018
Antwanette Bowles
Your life was so full and prospering. He was a great impact on Memphis, Tennessee and will be deeply missed.
January 17, 2018
Sharon Leicham
Paul, I remember meeting your dad and being impressed by his gentleness and presence. He will be missed.
January 16, 2018
Helen Gilchrist Marshall
Jack Morris made Memphis a better place. He was a model of Christian service and will be sorely missed. Love and prayers go out to his large and loving family.
January 16, 2018
Betty Stoker
My sadness at the passing of Jack Morris extends to dear friends Ann, Carole and Jane. His many years of service to Memphis and the United
Methodist Church are a testament to his caring and generous nature.
January 16, 2018
Dave Leach
Mr. Morris was an icon in the glass business and will be missed. His legacy and business carried on by John and Paul stand as a testament in our industry about how to do it right. Our deepest sympathies.
January 16, 2018
Christine Taylor
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Morris family. So sorry for your loss.
- Be Blessed
January 16, 2018
Bobby Akin
As an employee for twenty four years, I must say that Jack was an inspiration to myself and many more employees to strive to do their best. He always was a person to bring out the best in people. He will be sorely missed not only as an employer but as a friend.
January 16, 2018
Leslie Dale
Jack was a guiding force for me upon my return to Memphis in 1980. He opened the door at the Chamber, where he was then serving as Chairman. For that, and for his friendship, I will remember him always.
Leslie Dale
January 16, 2018
Leslie Dale
I regret being unable to attend the service and see you,Jack was a guiding force upon my return to Memphis in 1980. He opened the door for me at the Chamber where he was then serving as Chairman.-for that , and for his friendship , I will remember him -always,
Leslie Dale
January 15, 2018
Perhaps "Pillar of the Community" is a phrase too liberally applied but, not in the case of Jack Morris. His commitment to family, business and community are examples we should all strive for.
Memphis is the better because of Jack. My sympathies to the Morris family.
Hugh Peterson
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