James Charles Morrison

James Charles (Jim) Morrison, Jr. walked into the loving arms of Jesus on Saturday morning December 26, 2020 after a long illness. Born in Tulsa to J.C. and Ann Doris Morrison, he graduated from Edison High School in 1962. He attended OSU and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Changing majors, he moved to NSU in Tahlequah where he set the curve in every class. It was there he met the love of his life Connie Criswell on a blind date and was relentless in pursuit of her affections. They were married nine months later; a union that would last 54 adventurous years.

Upon receiving a BA degree in Business Management/Accounting he was employed as a parts rep trainee for Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Peoria, Illinois. Finishing his training in only fifteen months he was given a parts rep territory in Mississippi and Louisiana. Moving to Jackson, MS. he excelled quickly, earning accolades from CAT and adding Arkansas to his territory. After five years on the road, and the birth of his daughter Brandy, Jim went to work for the dealership Stribling-Puckett, Inc. in Greenwood, MS. After three years there he sought adventure for his family and became the parts manager for the world's largest CAT dealership in Saudi Arabia, overseeing eleven stores and building a parts plant in Dhahran. Moving to the headquarters in Jeddah, he managed employees from all over the world. Adding a son, Tandy to the family, he took them to many countries throughout Europe, and Africa, exposing them to many cultures and instilling in both children the value and appreciation for all humanity. Not wishing to renew his contract another five years, he brought his family back to Tulsa where he and his wife began a small manufacturing company called Char-Chef, designing, making and marketing the Char*Star charcoal starter. After circumstances beyond their control, they closed that door and moved to Harlingen, Texas where after a few years, Jim became the manager of Asphalt Products, Inc. He built a plant in El Paso, and led the development of new products manufactured in Poland and China. After twenty-one years, he moved back to Tulsa in 2013 to enjoy retirement.

He lived a full life and never settled for mediocrity. He gained the utmost respect from his employees as he pushed them to excel and be proud in even the most mundane jobs. He looked for and developed high expectations from all who came to know him. He didn't like or accept the words 'I can't'. Patience was a 'waste of valuable time'. He loved debating for debating sake and enjoyed a good argument. He was extremely well read and had an extensive vocabulary that had folks running for their dictionaries. He enjoyed camping, fishing, working on whatever had wheels and could 'MacGyver' anything. He also had a huge heart and was loyal for life.

His love for his 'bride' had no boundaries. He said 'one musician per family is enough' while lovingly attending almost all of her music performances through the decades, including 'tolerating' opera. He was especially proud of daughter Brandy and son Tandy and the way they navigated the twists and turns of life becoming educated, articulate, successful, loving and happy adults. He loved being Pops to his four grandchildren, leading them into new and uncharted activities, sometimes to the chagrin of their parents. He had a full life and leaves behind many amazing memories for all to cherish.

He is survived by his 'bride' Connie, daughter Brandy Ruby-Anne Crislip (Kevin) and grandsons Tobias and Jaxson, son James Charles Tandy Morrison, III (Tracy) and granddaughter Amelia and grandson Abraham, sisters Janie Garrett and Doris Ann Malin-Leete, and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Not wanting to leave Connie unprotected, he said on Christmas night, "You'll be okay because I'll always be the Angel on your shoulder."