John (Jack) William Morris, Jr., 84, resident of St. Petersburg, Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 20, at the Northside hospital.
Jack was born on Wednesday, July 20, 1932 in Troy, NY where he preceded his twin brother, Robert (Bob) Charles Morris by a few minutes thus establishing a lifelong bond as brothers.
Jack’s formative years as a boy were spent in St. Petersburg, Florida. He attended the Admiral Farragut Academy along with his brother, Bob, where his love of the sea, the US Navy and his belief in patriotic service to the United States was cemented. Upon graduation from Admiral Farragut, Jack and Bob enlisted in the US Navy to serve their country in the Korean War. Jack achieved the rank of a First Class Petty Officer-Sonar and was honorably discharged at the completion of his military service.
Upon his discharge from the US Navy, Jack attended the Babson Institute of Business Administration in Massachusetts where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was actively engaged in the academic, athletic and social life of Babson where he was recognized as the junior class president 1959’; played on the varsity soccer and tennis teams; was a leader in the Vets and B Club and was ceremoniously elected by the student body as “The Mayor of Babson” aka ‘His Honor Dassle T. Fissnair’ for the Winter Carnival in 1959.
Jack met and married the love of his life, Joan Marie Berg, of Longmeadow, Massachusetts on Saturday, June 28, 1958 at the First Church of Christ in Longmeadow, MA. Jack and Joan had five children, John W. 111, Pamela Anne, Michael Scott, Patrick Charles and Wendy Marie.
Jack pursued a career in the financial services industry in Charlotte, NC, San Francisco, CA and Honolulu, HI until mid-career when the ‘siren song’ of the sea called him back to enlist in the US Merchant Marine as a mariner. He traveled the world in service of the United States for over twenty-five years before retiring to St. Petersburg, Fl.
Jack is survived by his brother, Robert, his sons John W. 111 (Cristine), Patrick C. (Stephanie), Pamela M. Abitabilo (John), Wendy M. Marino (Salvatore) and six grandchildren, Sarah, Kyle and Cooper Morris; Salvatore, Emily and Daniel Marino. He is predeceased by his son, Michael Scott Morris.
Jack’s favorite greeting and farewell to family and friends was “Aloha”, which was reflective of his friendly and hospitable nature throughout his life.
Aloha Jack.
