James Eric Morris, 77, Springfield, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017 in his home.  He was born November 2, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan.

Jim was born in Detroit, but on medical advice his parents moved to the dry Arizona climate and extended his life about 70 years. After graduating from Glendale High School, he was in and out of college. He finished by starting one more time that he quit, which was his motto for handling many of life's challenges.

After college & officers candidate school, he joined the Navy, moved to San Diego, and helped with engineering on the USS-Columbus (CA-74). After his honorable discharge, he worked for IBM before relocating to Little Rock, AR and the Kansas City, MO.

In Kansas City, he worked as a computer programmer before starting his own business, Program Systems Inc. It was a matter of pride that PSI provided a livelihood to over 30 families. He was dedicated to running a business the right way, his developing his employees as both workers and people. After selling PSI, he moved to Springfield and designed software for Electronic Check Services.

Wherever he lived, Jim was known for his deep generosity. He never met a stranger, because he would always start a conversations that ended with friendship. Over the decades, he helped dozens of people by housing them temporarily, helping them find jobs, and helping believe in themselves. The world is an immeasurably better place due to his kindness.

He is pre-decreased by two wives: Berta Morris and Judy Morris.

James is survived by his wife, Louise Morris; son, Eric Richard Morris; children, David James Harris, Melissa Dawne Harris Johnson, Shawn McLaughlin, Clinton Cunningham, Christian Morris and Nyla Morris; two brothers, Robert and Roger Morris; and numerous grandchildren.

Memorial services with full military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017 in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.