James Morrissey
April 22, 1930 — September 19, 2015
James George "Jim" Morrissey, age 85, of Duluth passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 19, 2015. He was born April 22, 1930 to Eleanor Johanna (Kraft) and Thomas Henry Morrissey in Milwaukee, WI. Jim was a decorated veteran. He enlisted in the Army in 1946 at the age of 16. He served in the Army Occupation of Japan and he was honorably discharged in 1948 because he was too young.
He joined the Marine Reserves in 1949. He entered into active service and was shipped to Korea in 1950. He was with Charlie Company, 1st. Battalion, 7th. Regiment, 1st. Marine Division from Inchon through Chosin Reservoir Campaign. He went through 3 major battles and was wounded in action Wonju, Korea.
After the service, Jim was a commercial painter for Couture Brothers and others. He earned his BS degree in education in 1972 and taught Science and Phy Ed at Birchwood Elementary from 1972-1994. After retirement,
Jim was a substitute teacher in Duluth and Hermantown for many years.
Jim was also an assistant football coach at Cathedral High School and assistant football and hockey coach at Duluth Central.
Jim was quite an athlete, playing football for Cathedral High School and UMD, playing fast pitch softball , and running Grandma's Marathon in his 60's.He was inducted into the Hilltopper Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.
He was very involved in coaching youth hockey, junior football, little league and Babe Ruth baseball for many years in Duluth Heights.
Jim was also an avid fisherman and hunter.
On June 11, 1955 he married his love, Janet Kae Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Thomas, Owen and Donald.
Jim is survived by his wife Janet of 60 years; children Michael (Judy), Patrick, Nancy (Mark) Lennartson, Laura, and Kevin; grandchildren Mackenzie, Casey and Alaina; great-grandson Nicholas; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation: 9:30am Saturday, September 26, 2015 until the 11 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Rd. Duluth. Military Honors will be accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard. Memorials directed to DAV or to the donor's choice would be appreciated. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 727-3555.