John T. Morris entered a larger life with God on Monday, December 5, 2023, after a short illness. John is predeceased by his parents, John C. Morris and Charlotte Crosby Morris, and his wife of 50 years, Judy Young Morris. He is survived by his brother, George Morris and his wife Linda of Woodsville, NH, nephews Kirk Morris and Jason Morris and his wife, Kristine, and their daughter, Lyllien Morris; sister-in-law Diane Young Stephenson, of Greensboro, NC, brothers-in-law James P. Young of Hickory NC and Robert G. Young of Roanoke VA.
John was born on August 7, 1946, in Troy, NY and grew up in the community of Averill Park, NY. As a child, he helped his family work on the farm at a local Orphanage, producing most of the food for the facility. He loved the outdoors, fishing, exploring and enjoying being in the country, especially spending summers at his uncle’s farm where he spent many afternoons popping groundhogs with his 22 rifle. John loved reading, and was rarely sitting still without a book in his hand. He played Little League baseball and attended Averill Park High School where he played football. He was an avid skier, and an active member of the Ski Club. The teacher who chaperoned the Ski Club trips encouraged John to take his mechanical drawing class where John discovered his interest in design and architecture. John loved fast cars, particularly his gold ’55 Chevy Bellaire 2 door hard top with a 327 motor, his 1958 Corvette and his Kawasaki motorcycles. John graduated from high school in 1964 as a member of the National Honor Society. John then attended VA Tech and was in the Army Corps of Cadets. He majored in architecture where he met Robert Loveless. When Rob’s soon-to-be-wife, Barbara, was in the college infirmary, her roommate was a very nice girl named Judy Young. They introduced John to Judy, they hit it off, and were married in January, 1970. Rob, Barbara, John and Judy became fast friends, often joined by the members of L-Company from the VPI Corps of Cadets. When John graduated from VA Tech in 1969 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers, John and Judy were stationed in Germany for 3 years, where they enjoyed touring Europe on their Kawasaki motorcycle that John had shipped from the US to their post overseas. They returned to the US and spent time traveling around Colorado to look for a community where they would like to settle down. As luck would have it, John received an excellent job offer with an architectural firm here in Roanoke. Over the years, they lived in several homes in the Roanoke area, finally settling in Botetourt County to build their home where they have lived for over 40 years. John worked for Hughes Associates Architects, in Roanoke, VA, eventually becoming a full partner in the firm and retiring from the firm when he turned 70. John was always athletic, continuing his loves of skiing and riding motorcycles, participating in high energy exercise classes, running and riding his bicycle. He started participating in triathlons in his late 40s. His friendship with Rob and the men of L-company and their families continued, with gatherings at Smith Mountain Lake, the Creek, snow skiing, motorcycling and camping trips, and celebrating the milestones of each other’s lives.
A Memorial service will 11:00 am January 28 at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road Daleville with Pastor Terry Clark officiating. A private inurnment will be in Hollywood Cemetery, in Richmond, VA, at a date following the memorial service. Friends will be received at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 6045 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019.
Online condolences may be made to JT's family at
www.rader-funeralhome.com/tributes/John-Morris.
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