James Turner Morgan of Olive Branch, Mississippi left this world at age 91 to meet Jesus in his new forever home. James was born September 17, 1929 in Drew, MS and died peacefully at his home in Olive Branch on June 5, 2021.

James was the son of the late Clinton Turner Morgan and Sophrona Myrtle Blaine Morgan of Drew Mississippi. He was predeceased by his parents and three brothers; Fred Leonard Morgan, Richard Tracy Morgan and Billy Ray Morgan. James is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Jo Parks Morgan of Olive Branch, MS, five children; James Turner Morgan, Jr. of Eads, TN and spouse Lori Carter Morgan, David Earl Morgan of Como, MS and spouse Janice Bonner Morgan, Bobby Jo Morgan of Bartlett, TN and spouse Lori Sneed Morgan, Thomas Clinton Morgan of Grimsley, TN and Vickie Morgan Sneed of Memphis, TN and spouse Norman Ray Sneed. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and one sister, Jamie Maxine Morgan McCain of Drew, MS.

James was a United States military veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy during peacetime following WWII and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He also sailed with the Merchant Marines. Following his military service, James relocated to Memphis, TN and served 27 years on the Memphis Police Department. It was during this time that James became known as "Diamond Jim." He was also raised a Master Mason of the Unity Lodge No. 95 Masonry of TN in 1967.

In 1982, he retired from the MPD and with his wife, Betty, moved to Carroll County, Mississippi, where they built a home on a 55 acres and enjoyed the next 31 years fulfilling his life dream of working his "farm." James loved his farm and the work on his farm brought him an abundance of joy and pleasure. James would proudly hook up an old wagon, loaded with bucket seats and lawn chairs, to his red Farm All tractor and give tours showing off his farm. His pride and joy was his large vegetable garden where he grew enough vegetables to stock his freezer and pantry as well as share his bounty with family and friends. He loved being able to share his home grown vegies with others. His life on the farm included raising a variety of animals including, chickens, geese, ducks, cows, pigs, goats and emus. He also had his share of canine friends and barn cats.

In addition to his farm, James also enjoyed camping and fishing. Prior to his retirement, he spent almost all of his vacation time camping on the banks of Sardis, Enid and Grenada lakes. James loved to put out his trot lines, rig up his jugs, and troll these Mississippi lakes. His pride of catching the 55 lb. catfish will forever live on in the memories of his family.

James also enjoyed woodworking and building. He often carried out Betty's wishes by taking her ideas and hand drawn plans and transforming those ideas into hand built projects, often given away as gifts. Cooking was also something James enjoyed doing and he spent as many, if not more, hours in the kitchen than Betty did. James had his own way of doing things and he rarely allowed anyone else in his kitchen. James was especially well known for his homemade biscuits, his homemade dressing and giblet gravy.

During his retirement years on the farm, James was also active in their local church, Vaiden Baptist in Vaiden, MS. James served as an ordained deacon and often taught Sunday school classes over the years ranging from youth to senior adults. Following health issues, the beloved farm was sold and James relocated to Olive Branch to be closer to his children, where he became a member of Temple Baptist Church.

Services:

Visitation – Thursday, June 10 5:30 – 7:30

Funeral – Friday, June 11 10:00 a.m.

Temple Baptist Church

8432 Germantown Rd.

Olive Branch, MS 38654

Graveside – Memorial Park South Woods

5485 Hacks Cross Rd.

Memphis, TN 38125