We were recently notified that our real-life “Thunderbird”, James/Jimmy/Jim Morris, unexpectedly passed away on September 08, 2021.
James was a grandpa, father, brother, uncle, friend and he loved his family more than anything in this world. His
unfiltered, goofy personality combined with his pure heart made him a very magnetic person to talk to and be around. He was a complex man, who thoroughly enjoyed the simple things in life - listening to music, spending time at the lake/near the ocean, fishing, cooking breakfast, biking, smack talking, drinking beer, etc. His dorky giggle still rings through our ears and you could always count on him to say something funny or sarcastic to make you laugh.
The Thunderbird of Native Americans is a symbol of power and strength that protects humans from evil spirits. James was so proud of his “prominent” chest tattoo of this mythical creature and anyone who had the privilege of knowing him, understands it was very fitting for him. Despite the hardships, adversity, and suffering he endured during his lifetime, he still looked out for other people, he was not afraid to start over again, and he never lost hope.
At the end of August, James moved to Denver, Colorado for work. Shortly after arriving in Denver he got COVID-19 despite having recently received both of his vaccinations. We understand that the topic of the COVID vaccinations are very controversial right now, but we think it’s important to share with everyone why he chose to get the vaccines to help better understand just how big his heart was: “I know I’m going to die someday, but I just couldn’t live with myself if I gave it to someone else and it killed them.” He did it because he thought it was his way of protecting the people around him.
He was starting to get better when he had a fatal heart attack on the streets of Denver. Bystanders immediately attempted CPR and called 9-1-1, but he was already in cardiac arrest by the time he arrived at the hospital. Since he had no form of identification on him, it took investigators 13 days to find and notify his family. He is still in Denver, Colorado and his family, friends, and loved ones in the midwest would like to bring him back home for a proper memorial service.
We are absolutely devastated by James’ loss and were not prepared for the high-cost of transporting him back to Minnesota, in addition to the cost of a funeral service. We want to give James the memorial he so desperately deserves, to honor his memory and to say our final goodbyes.
We need to raise $10,000 by Tuesday, September 28 in order to be able to afford the transportation and funeral service. If possible, please share this to your Facebook page, with your friends and family, or wherever you feel comfortable.
Anything you can give helps, and we are eternally grateful for your support during this heartbreaking time.
Thank you,
The Morris Family
Organizer
Jess Morris
Organizer
Hudson, WI

