On September 22, 2020, Retired Army Military Sergeant First Class and Retired Augusta Police Office Lieutenant James Elwood (Edward) Morris departed this life for his sweet spirit to rest and reside in the Heavenly House of our Lord. James was the son of Harry Nulty Morris and Cornelia Pauline Moore. He was born in Ditchley, Virginia on July 22, 1933.

James began his early education in Northumberland County schools in Ditchley, Virginia. He then attended Baltimore City, Maryland Public School System and earned his High School Equivalency Certificate from the State of Georgia Department of Education in Augusta, Georgia on October 18, 1976.

Most of James’ early life revolved around his passion of skating where he literally skated into the life of Elaine J. Morris at the Starlight Skating Rink in Baltimore, Maryland in 1952. On November 6, 1953, Elaine became his wife. Their love for each other endured for over 62 years. Together they raised five beautiful children and he was an amazing grandfather to seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. James’ children, grandchildren and great grandchildren loved him dearly and affectionately called him Pop. James loved his role as Pop and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grands during their monthly Family Day Celebrations. When he wasn’t spending time with his family, James enjoyed playing weekly (10+ hours) marathon Poker games at home and at the homes of close friends.

James was drafted in the United State Army on June 11, 1953. He served multiple tours in Vietnam and Korea and retired from the Department of the Army (Ft. Gordon, Georgia) on February 28, 1974. After retiring from the United States Army, James joined the Augusta Police Department where he served 18 years and 6 months in service to the officers, citizens and the City of Augusta. After retiring from the Augusta Police Department, James then served several years as a Major at Sizemore Security.

James was a member of Beulah Grove Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia where he served on the Security Ministry before his wife’s health started to decline.

James was deeply saddened by the passing of his wife Elaine J. Morris, his son, Allen Morris and grandson, Broderick Morris. He was also preceded in death by both parents, Harry Nulty Morris and Cornelia Pauline Moore Johnson; sisters, Ruth Beatrice Moore and Mildred Deloris Council, and his Step-father William Daniel Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memory, four children: Gregory Morris Sr. (Jeannette), Denise King, James Morris, Jr. and Steven Morris (Priscilla); Grandchildren: Gregory Morris Jr., Robert Morris, Kiandie King (Kendrick), James Morris III (Trina), Keith King, Miaka Little (James) and Stephanie Morris; Great Grandchildren: Bashon Morris, Cameron King, Mya Simpson, James Morris IV, Nevaeh Streeter, Aubrey Little, Mulan Grissom, and Iwadun Jaiden Little; one sister, Joanna Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Olive Memorial Gardens, 3666 Deans Bridge Road, Hephzibah, Georgia with Reverend Dr. Sam Davis, officiating.

Instead of flowers, the family ask any financial donation(s) be sent to Beulah Grove Baptist Church Accountability Office at 1434 Poplar Street, Augusta, GA 30901 in the name of James Elwood Morris.

W. H. Mays Mortuary, 1221 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30901 (706)722-6401.