James Ward Morris, 81, of Oriental, N.C., formerly of Newtown, died on October 8.

He is survived by Jo Ann Morris, his beloved wife of 58 years; son, Jeffrey Morris of Mount Bethel, Penn.; son and daughter-in-law Steven and Jennifer Morris of New Milford; and grandsons Jason, Jared, and Dylan Morris.

Born in Milwaukee, Wis., Mr Morris graduated from Whitefish Bay High School in 1952, and then from Lawrence University in 1956 with a BA degree. He worked in the packaging industry for 38 years, finishing his career as national accounts manager for American National Can Company.

Jim and Jo also lived in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Troy, Mch.

Jim loved his Lord, his family, his church, and the Pamlico County community, and devoted his retirement years to volunteer work in the county, particularly trying to advance literacy and music appreciation for children. He was proud to say he spent 12 years in first grade — reading to them. It was one of his most loved activities.

He mentored high school students in the LIFT program. He started the Rotary Dictionary Project in 2002, which has distributed more than 2,500 free dictionaries to third grade students in the county. The week before he died he spent a day distributing dictionaries to third graders.

He also was involved with Rotary programs to purchase violins and guitars for elementary school students. He was named Rotarian of the Year in 2003 and was awarded the North Carolina Governor’s Award for Excellence in Volunteerism in 2004.

Mr Morris also volunteered as a Hospice companion, delivered Meals On Wheels to the elderly for 16 years, and served as vice president of Pamlico Musical Society for nine years, where he was a member of the first Musical Society Board. He also served on the Ambulance Fund board of directors for seven years, as well as on the board of directors of Oriental Rotary Club several times and on the board of directors of the Pamlico County Fishes and Loaves Outreach.

He was a member of Pamlico UMC, where he served as lay leader and Pastor-Parish Relations chair. He was thankful for his church family.

Memorial contributions may be given to Pamlico United Methodist Church c/o Tillie Roberts, 9985 NC Hwy 306 S, Arapahoe NC  28510, or Pamlico County Library, 603 Main Street, Bayboro NC 28515.

A memorial service was held on Monday, October 12, at Pamlico UMC, with the Reverend Michael Roach officiating.

Arrangements have been handled by Bryant Funeral Home & Crematory, Alliance.