James Joseph Morris

James Joseph Morris, 81, formerly of Monticello, IL. passed away Monday, May 4, 2020 at 12:22 p.m. with his family by his side at the Claiborne in Starkville, MS.  A memorial service is planned for a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ivesdale, IL.  Memorials may be made to Piatt County Mental Health Center, 1921 N. Market St., Monticello,  IL  61856.  Roux/Hinds Funeral Home of Bement, ILL is entrusted with arrangements.

Jim Morris was born on June 14, 1938 to the late Charles Joseph and Julia Bigham Morris in Champaign, Illinois. He attended Monticello High School and also attended Ag college at the University  of  Illinois.  He married Jacqueline Joann Canull on January 11, 1964.

Jim farmed with his father and brother since 1954 and started the Oliver Business , C.J. Morris and Sons, Inc. in Bement with his dad since 1962, for 58 years. His slogan in business was buy low, sell high”.  Jim was a member of the Piatt County Trail Blazers Club. Jim served on the Board of Directors of First National Bank of Ivesdale and Stat Bank of Bement.   He was a parishioner of St. Philomena Catholic Church in Monticello and was a long standing member of the “Knights of Columbus.” .  He was known by several names “Jimmy Joe”, “Generous Jim”, and the “Tootsie Roll Man”, his grandson named him that. Jim loved walking his four pound  Yorkie “Ruthie”; He enjoyed attending the “Bement Country Opry”  and was a member of the Piatt County Promenaders  square dance club;  shooting skeet;  but most of all he loved his children and grandchildren.  He is preceded in death parents and  by his brother, Charles “Chick” Morris.

Those left to mourn his passing are his wife: Jacki Morris; two daughters, Jami  Randall ( Bill)  and Jodi Ann Morris; two grandchildren: Laney Randall and Zane Randall; all of Brooksville, MS and one sister: Loretta Bartram and husband Larry of Bement, ILL. and nieces and nephews.