"My sympathy and prayers to the family of Jim Morcomb."
In loving memory of
James R. Morcomb
May 16, 1935 - February 18, 2020
Money Creek, MN - Jim Morcomb, 84, died on February 18, 2020. He was born on a farm in Ridgeway, Minnesota on May 16, 1935; the first born of Arlie and Helen Morcomb. He graduated from Winona Senior High School Class of 1953. After graduation and a brief stint in college he married the love of his life Lois (Johnson) on June 23, 1956 at First Lutheran Church in La Crescent, MN and accepted a job at Martin Aircraft in Baltimore, MD. They both longed for home and in May of 1957 he joined IBM and embarked on a wonderful 34 ½ year career, eventually retiring in 1992 as a Senior Engineer. He was responsible for multiple patents that significantly advanced business technology culminating his career by leading the design and manufacturing of the AS400. Arguably the most successful system ever developed by IBM. After retiring from IBM he took on a consulting job with Datacard Corporation and eventually retired from the business world in 1998.
James and Lois lived in St. Charles, MN where they raised their 4 children, Rod, Jane, Scott and Sue. They simply loved this wonderful community. After retirement they moved to Money Creek, MN building their dream home and spending their golden years together in the country. Jim's foundation was firmly grounded in love of Christ, Family, Community and Country. He demonstrated this love through selfless servant leadership. He was an extremely active leader in countless organizations to include Ducks Unlimited, Faith Lutheran Church, Looney Valley Lutheran Church, Ridgeway Charter School, St. Charles Parks and Rec, and Lions Club. Some of his proudest achievements were spearheading Faith Lutheran and Looney Valley Church building projects, organizing the first fast pitch softball team in St. Charles, building two picnic shelters and the concession stand at St. Charles, leading the fundraising and building of the Ridgeway Charter School, serving as the Lions Club District Governor, chartering the Houston Lions Club and leading the new band shell construction project. He played and managed several Championship Fastpitch Softball teams and was named to the MN Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. An avid outdoorsman and sports fan, Jim had a great love for the Green Bay Packers and his time with his card club friends.
What really defined Jim was love of his family, his loving wife Lois, 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. This love was manifested in his never-ending attendance at sporting events, concerts, family hunting and fishing adventures, building projects completed for his kids and grandkids and so much more. A man of incredible drive and energy, if a family member needed something he was there with a plan and a solution.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arlie and Helen Morcomb, sister Mary Brenno and brother-in-law Duane Brenno.
He is survived by his wife, Lois, children - Rod (Deb) Morcomb, Jane (Jeff) Sterrett, Scott (Janna) Morcomb, Sue (Craig) Frericks. Granchildren - Erin (Aaron) Buchanan, Brent (Shelby) Morcomb, Dani (Brad) Gorder, Jennifer Sterrett, Bryant (Shelby) Morcomb, Ciara (Colton) Morcomb, Hunter, Dawson and Jared Frericks. Great-Grandchildren - Claire, Reese, Cameron, Lucas, Braxton and Brantley, Niece Anne (Tom) Mootz and Nephew Steve Brenno.
In his own words given to us upon his death. "I believe that true believers never really die, they just pass to the new world. God created the most amazing world that we could ever imagine, just think how wonderful the next world will be".
A true patriarch, he left a lasting impression on his family, community and this world. James R. Morcomb will never be forgotten. This world will be a bit duller in his absence.
There will be a funeral service for Jim at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Looney Valley Lutheran Church in rural Houston, MN. Burial will be at the Bush Cemetery in Ridgeway, MN. Pallbearers will be Jim's 9 grandchildren, who he adored. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Charles, MN and one hour prior to the service at Looney Valley Lutheran Church. The family prefers memorials directed to Looney Valley Lutheran Church, Ridgeway Community School or Mayo Clinic Cancer Research. Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service of Houston is assisting the family with arrangements. Please leave a memory of Jim and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com
Tributes
"A life well lived! Such an example to all and I feel blessed to have met and spoken to him on a number of occasions that he was attending for his son Scott. Such a wonderful family. Rest in peace Jim until that great Resurrection day! Love you all! God bless you!"
"Rich and I want to wish the Morcomb family our deepest sympathy. It's times like this that I wish we didn't live so far away or we would have certainly been there to give you our condolences in person. Jim was an honorable, intelligent, loving man. You can't think of fast pitch softball without thinking of him. I personally can't think of him with thinking of nights around that campfire after a ball tourney and having Jim sing Edelweiss. Christopher Plummer himself couldn't sing it any better! I remember thinking what a loving father he was when he brought Sue down to Florida with him while he was on a business trip to visit our kids. Very special for everyone. He was so proud of all four of you kids and Lois. May he rest in peace and may the special memories you have of him help you through this difficult time. Lana"
"I was one of the many young people who got to know Jim as a student at Ridgeway Community School. I met him as an 8 year old during the summer construction of the library and kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms. He tugged on my braids one day and before long every child with enough hair to tug was lining up in front of him every time he came through the doors of that school. We knew him affectionately as ?pully-hair guy?. His joy in learning and encouraging curiosity in the world inspired many of us who had the pleasure to listen to his stories of his own school days and the mischief he got up too. He did so much for Ridgeway, more than I could understand as a student there. What a wonderful person to have made such an impact on the world and the people he met. You will be missed greatly Jim. "
"My deepest sympathy to the Morcomb family. Jim is a great man. Kurt Erickson Frontier Lounge fastpitch Hayfield."
"Jim was a wpmderful man of many talents and friends. We will miss him along with many other friends. He was a man of great faith and supported his family and church. Blessed be his memory."
"So sorry to hear of Jim's death. He was a true leader."
"Gloria and i send our deepest sympathy to Lois and family. Both of us knew Jim through Lions and have always considered him as one of our best mentors. He is to main reason why I ever considered serving in leadership roles at the district and multiple district levels. Rest in peace Jim."
"Is sincere condolences. Dale and Sheila Morcomb "
"I worked with Jim and also knew him through Ducks Unlimited. He was a great guy and it was my pleasure to know him."
"I worked with Jim in the early 60-70's. A better guy couldn't be found. He was honest straight forward and a treat to work with. I wish the family well. H Hawkins "
"My deepest sympathies to the family. I will always remember James as the vocalist. He had a beautiful voice and shared his love of music with the church congregation at Ridgeway Methodist many times. I always loved standing behind the family on Easter morning listening. He brought something very special to this life. Lucille Unnasch Finch"
"It is with sadness that Nancy and I celebrate the wonderful Christian life of our dear friend and Brother in Christ, Jim Morcomb. He was always an inspiration and positive influence on our family and all others who were privileged to know and love him. Unfortunately, I was unable to arrange a flight back to be with you, Lois, but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers for strength and forbearance during this difficult time. We will soon be home and hope to see you and the rest of the Looney Valley family! "
"Jim was a long time st charles community leader and friend . Glad to have known him. Chuck mccarthy"
"To Jim's family-- I had the privilege and pleasure of playing with Jim on that 1st softball team! Great memories! You have my deepest sympathy! Bob Eckles"
"Dear Lois and Family, Our sincere sympathy to you all. We have been friends for so many years, playing cards, traveling together and just running about. Jim will be truly missed, and we will always remember his friendship and greatness. Our love and prayers, Tom and Olivia Heim"
"Lois you have my sympathy. Jim is resting in Jesus "
"Although, I only met Jim a few times, I feel like I knew him well. Jane, a dear friend, talked about her dad, frequently. Highly respected, I knew he was a great man. I know how much he was loved by his family. His legacy lives on, in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. How lucky they are to have had him in their lives. His memory will live on. My deepest sympathy to the Morcomb family, as they mourn this great loss. Love you, Jane."
"I have been a pseudo family member for 16 years because I am his daughter Jane?s other half (aside from her husband)! I have so many memories of Jim reminding Jane and I to behave every time we were going somewhere together or just when he was on the phone with Jane while we were in a car driving. I know how much he loved his family and they him. This is a great loss for the Morcomb family and friends, but like he said, imagine how great the next place will be! My heart goes out to all of you. Love you all. Shawn. "
"I knew and respected Jim when he lived on Wabasha Ave. in St. Charles. He was a remarkable man. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. may the love of God bring you all close during this time of sorrow; please accept my condolences and sympathy."
"I played fastpitch softball for well over 30 years and Jim was my coach for many of those years. So many great memories and we were very successful also. You will be missed but not forgotton. Jim Abbott"
"Sending my deepest sympathies to the family during this sad time. Please know that your family is in the heart and prayers of many of us here is St Charles. May you find peace in the beautiful memories you share. "
"Many of you remember Jim as an avid outdoors man and a terrific family man, which he most certainly was, but I have a great memory of him as the manager/organizer for men's fastpitch softball in St. Charles. I remember being 15 year's playing in my first fastpitch game in Wahlan as a late pick up player because his St. Charles team was short a player. What a humbling experience. I struck out everytime, but each time I walked back to the dugout, Jim would tell me "don't worry about it Rick, you will get him next time". Little did I know the pitcher I was facing was Jim Sovreign, who at that time was one of the best pitcher's in the area. Well, I was hooked and played fastpitch for the next 30 year's. Thanks Jim, I will never forget you. "
"Dear Lois and family, I am so very sad to hear this news. Jim was a wonderful man and I admired his strong faith and the determination and grit with which he battled the cancer that attacked his body. My prayers for comfort ascend for all of you as you mourn. Please know that there are many who mourn with you. May our Lord strengthen you with the promise of resurrection to eternal life through Jesus Christ. God bless you all. Pastor Jan Gluth King"