James Morrison

James D. Morrison, 68, of Sanford passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. He was born on October 21, 1952 to Donald and Dorothea (Boardman) Morrison in Elmira, NY. When he was two years old his family moved to Sanford where he grew up and attended local schools including Sanford High School. When Jim had just turned 17 he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for two years. In 1974 he married Claire Deschenes and together they had two children. He was employed by Dayton Sand and Gravel and retired from there in 2011. Jim was a member of several organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks #1470, a lifetime member of the Lafayette Club and a lifetime member of the Wolves Club, and a member of the American Legion Post 19, all in Sanford. He was an avid New York Yankees fan. One of the biggest thrills of his life was to watch a game with his family at Yankee Stadium. Jim enjoyed his family, and his life was greatly impacted by the birth of his grandson, Shamus. They loved fishing together. Whether it was at Square Pond or even #1 Pond in the center of town, Shamus could show off his great fishing skills. Not only was Jim there to cheer on his fishing, he was there to root for him in soccer, baseball, or whatever his grandson had interest in. Shamus would often be picked up from school to just hang out with his grandparents. The special bond they shared was a great light in Jim's life and it is a blessing to them both. He is predeceased by his father, Donald Morrison Sr., his mother Dorothea Parker, his step father Stillman Parker, and two brothers, Dennis Morrison and Donald L. Allen. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Claire Morrison of Sanford, his daughter Sherry Morrison, of Wakefield, MA his son Shaun Morrison and his wife Nicole of Windham, his grandson Shamus Morrison, a special stepdaughter Karen Landry and her husband John of Shoreline WA, his brother David Morrison and his wife Christine of Shapleigh, his sister Donna Hupe of Springvale, his brother Donald Morrison Jr., of Sanford and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 14th at Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery located on Stanley Road in Springvale. Due to COVID-19, please wear a mask and practice social distancing while attending the graveside service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation in Honor of James Morrison to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House at 11 Hunnewell Dr., Scarborough, ME 04074 or online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/gosnell-memorial-hospice-house.