May 21, 1947 – August 23, 1923
Former Master National judge and longtime retriever handler, Jim Morris died in Gresham, Oregon on August 23, 2023. Jim was 76 years old.
Jim started running, judging, and training dogs at NAHRA events in 1985. He had a big male lab named Barny and the two were described as two peas in a pod. In addition to being a handler, Jim often worked at the Master National events as a worker, too. He judged all levels at the weekend tests as well.
In 1997, he was one of four judges that judged a split at a National, for the first time. In 2003, he filled in for Judge Russ Reavis, when a national defense problem took him to Washington, DC.
Jim served in the U.S. Army in Viet Nam and while there was exposed to Agent Orange. He was a painter by trade.
Jim often got talked into playing Santa at the local clubs while taking photos of handlers and their dogs.
He is famous for his wooden bench that went everywhere with him and was made by his daughter Jenny. He never failed to have a kind word for anyone, a love for the dogs and the sport, and a devoted following of friends who will miss him terribly.
His daughter has asked that in lieu of flowers, they are requesting that Donations be sent to the Mt Hood Hospice, PO BOX 1269, Sandy, Oregon 97055.
