James Howard Morris

James "Howard" Morris, long-time resident and businessman of Nocona, TX, passed away December 25th, 2014 at the age of 89. Howard was born October 16, 1925 in Nevada, TX to Jesse James Morris and Clemmie Jane (Beene) Morris. Howard served in the US Navy during World War II in the Pacific theater. While in California on leave, Howard married Reba Frances Glass of Farmersville January 16, 1945.After the war, Howard went to Mortuary School in Houston. Howard was a funeral director and embalmer for 56 years, starting his career at Owens and Brumley Funeral home in Bowie and then working for Hampton Vaughn in Wichita Falls. In 1950, Howard moved his family to Nocona and started working for the Scott Brothers who had two funeral homes, one in Nocona and one in Saint Jo as well as a hardware store. Howard became a partner with W.L. Scott in 1971 and when Mr. W. L. Scott passed away in 1985, Howard became the full owner of Scott-Morris Funeral Home and Hardware Store of Nocona. Howard worked both the hardware store and funeral home until his retirement in 2004, entrusting the business to his son John and wife Kim. During his life in Nocona Howard was a very active member at the First Baptist Church in Nocona. He served as past President of the Lions Club where he received his 65 year award in 2014. He has served on the Nocona Chamber of Commerce and was President in 1969. He received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Chamber in 2004. He was a member of the American Legion and served as Chaplin. Howard was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, his wife Reba, and one daughter, Judy Clark. Howard is survived by his children Jane Goss, James Morris, and John Morris and his wife Kim; ten grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and his companion and loving friend Helen Ferguson, as well as many extended family and friends. Howard's funeral was December 29th at First Baptist Church under the direction of Scott Morris Funeral Home with Dave Woodberry officiating.