James Robert Morris’ journey began February 25, 1965, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and he passed into eternity on March 23, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones in his home in West Monroe, Louisiana.  Robert was the oldest son of James “Jake” and Joy Morris, and was raised hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles in Red Lick, Mississippi.  He had his first exhilarating motorcycle ride at age five, which undoubtedly set him on the path of a life full of thrills and adventures.

After graduating from Adams County Christian School in Natchez in 1983, Robert attended Louisiana Tech University and obtained his degree in Finance in 1988.  He married his college sweetheart, Jennifer,in 1987, and they built a beautiful life together.  Robert and Jennifer had two children he was extremely proud of – daughter, Brooklyn, and son, Seth.He was a blessing to both his own family, as well as the many friends of Brooklyn and Seth.  He was a loving husband and father and provided well for his family in every way.

Robert was an accomplished businessman.  After working nine years with his father at House of Cycles in Natchez, Mississippi, he relocated his family and expanded House of Cycles to West Monroe, Louisiana in 2003.  Several years later, in 2013, he went on to open a second business in town, Morris Marine.  His love of motorsports, adventure, and the outdoors, combined with his outgoing personality and strong work ethic, made him the perfect leader for his businesses, as he had a passion for the products he sold as well as the customers he served.

Robert was a true gentleman, a kind man with an easy smile.  He became friends with many customers who came into his stores, because he never met a stranger and was always happy to visit.  To meet Robert was to make a new friend.  He was also a generous man.  If he saw a need, he often quietly met the need, with no fanfare or need for recognition.  If he noticed something that might help someone, he helped them.  If he had an experience he enjoyed, he often wanted to share that experience with his loved ones and would generously give it, whether that meant grilling delicious food or frying fish and inviting his loved ones over to enjoy it with him, or taking a group of people to a favorite restaurant, or even inviting family or friends to join him on a trip.  He gave to help others and he also gave just to share a simple pleasure.

If an opportunity presented itself that included the mountains, the lake, or anything adventurous, Robert was eager to participate.  His sense of adventure ran deep and he spent many hours riding motorcycles – even racing them, zooming down the lake in his boat, or even flying his small plane after obtaining his pilot’s license.  As often as possible, Robert could be found Jeeping in the mountains of Colorado.If you were looking for Robert in his free time, odds were high you’d find him on the lake with a fishing rod in hand or spending time with his dad on the family’s property in Red Lick, Mississippi.

Robert loved his family, both immediate and extended, and enjoyed spending time with everyone.  He was a skilled storyteller. A common occurrence at meals with extended family was for Robert to tell a joke or his version of a story, and he would then sit wide-eyed, a mischievous grin spread across his face, as he nervously awaited Jennifer’s equally funny response.

Robert was an avid LSU football fan and never missed watching the annual LSU vs. Alabama game with his brother, Justin. Inevitably, one of the brothers would leave happy when the game was over, and one would leave disappointed, but it was a fun tradition, full of good-natured ribbing, and one he always looked forward to.

Robert was a genuine soul, a deep thinker, always contemplative. His faith was strong and his natural ability to play the piano by ear was a musical treat for anyone listening.

Robert saw life as a gift and he soaked up every bit of the joy it had to offer for as long as he possibly could.  He was a courageous warrior against cancer.  Even in the midst of the battle, he and Jennifer packed up the Jeep and went on numerous adventures, and she stood faithfully by his side.  Together, they were a force to be reckoned with. He also had a wonderful team of doctors and medical staff who battled alongside him, and the family is grateful.Those of us who knew Robert are so proud of his courage and so thankful for his life.  If you knew Robert, you loved Robert, and we are grateful he was part of our lives.

Robert is preceded in death by his mother, Joy Marie Cupit-Morris; his maternal grandparents, Robert Marshall and Louise Dillon Cupit; and his paternal grandparents, Oren Courtney and Alice McCreight Morris. Robert is survived by the love of his life and wife of 36 years, Jennifer Flanagan Morris; his beloved children, Brooklyn Jade Morris and Seth Christian Morris; his father, Jake Morris; his sister, Charman Morris Brown and brother-in-law, Russell; his brother, Justin Morris and sister-in-law, Alesha, as well as nieces, nephews, and a large extended family and many friends who all loved him dearly.

Robert trusted Jesus as his Savior at the age of fourteen and was looking forward to seeing Him face to face.  To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and his loved ones take comfort in the confidence we have that he is healthy and whole in the presence of Jesus.  By His stripes, Robert is healed.

Graveside funeral services celebrating the life of James Robert Morris, 59, of West Monroe, Louisiana, will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the Ephesus Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Lorman, Mississippi, with refreshments and singing to follow.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Laird’s Funeral Home in Natchez, Mississippi.

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