Father Jim Morris

September 13, 2018

Father Jim Morris died Sept. 1 after an extended period of declining health.

Father Morris was 78 years of age. His sister, Judy, a retired longtime staff member of Catholic San Francisco newspaper and devoted to her brother’s comfort to the end, was at his side. Their brother Jerry, his wife Theodora, and their son, Sean also survive Father Morris.

Father Morris was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of San Francisco at Holy Name of Jesus Church on June 4, 1966 by Archbishop Joseph T. McGucken, and served at parishes including St. Gregory, San Mateo; St. Mary, Gilroy; and San Francisco’s St. Anne of the Sunset and St. Elizabeth.

Father Morris also served as administrator of St. Bartholomew Parish in San Mateo later serving at St. Sebastian Parish in Kentfield.

Father Morris underwent surgery on his spinal cord in 1994 to relieve pressure being caused by a growing tumor and, in time, began as parochial vicar at St. Robert Parish, San Bruno, and later St. Raymond Parish, Menlo Park.

Father Morris retired from active ministry on Nov. 1, 2010. “Over the years that followed he kept his spirits up while coping with increasing physical limitations. His brother priests would often mention his deep faith, humble commitment to service in the archdiocese, and his sense of humor and kindness to all he met,” the Office of Vicar for Clergy said.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Sept. 13, 11 a.m., St. Cecilia Church, 17th Avenue at Vicente, San Francisco with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.

Remembrances may be made to the Priests’ Retirement Fund, One Peter Yorke way, San Francisco 94109.