MT. UPTON – James R. Morris, 88, of Mt. Upton, passed away late Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010 surrounded by his family, at Countryside Care Center in Delhi where he was a resident.
James was born on March 1, 1922, son of the late Charles and Opal (Stenson) in Gilbertsville. Upon graduating from high school, James worked at Scintilla in Sidney for two years as a machinist: he took great pride in his role in creating ignition systems for PT Boats. On Dec. 24, 1944, he married Mianda “Tillie” Wilson in Leonardsville. She predeceased him on Aug. 8, 2002. In 1950, his family purchased a dairy farm, which he worked on until 1986.
Over the years, James also drove school bus for Oneonta and Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton schools, as well as drove truck for Dairylea. Most people would remember him, however, for his role as a driver and mechanic for Oneonta Bus Lines, where he worked for over 30 years. James loved taking the trips, and enjoyed the people. His favorite trip was the Rotary Exchange 30-Day Cross Country Trip. James was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Gilbertsville Lodge. He was also a longtime member of the Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club. James loved to travel and meet new people. He had a soft spot for animals, and he loved his family dearly.
James is survived by two sons: John Morris and his companion, Cheryl Dickerson of Mt. Upton and James Morris of Gilbertsville; close friend, Judy Bleyle of Norwich; grandchildren: Jason, Joshua and Faith Morris, Jessie Boldt, Ashley Griffith, Sarah and Trevor Hoke and Robert and Charles Morris; 9 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Richard Morris of Norwich.
In addition to his wife, James was predeceased by a sister, Virginia Banks.
Friends are invited to call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Gilbertsville Baptist Church with Rev. Kurt Funke, pastor of Gilbertsville Baptist Church, and Rev. Randy Palada, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Oneonta, co-officiating. Burial will follow at Morris Chapel Cemetery, Morris.
Memorial contributions in James’ memory may be directed to Countryside Care Center Patient Fund, 41861 State Highway 10 Delhi, NY 13753 or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com.