J. Michael Morris

J. Michael Morris died in his home on March 28, 2016 in Metamora, Illinois due to complications from lung cancer. He was 71. Michael was born on September 21, 1944 in Washington, IL to his parents Roy and Emma Morris. He was the youngest of three siblings and is survived by his sister Anamarie and his brother David (ClarLyn). He graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Music Education in 1966, and his Master of Music with an emphasis in Choral Conducting in 1970. He completed additional post-graduate work in Theatre at Illinois State University. After directing band and choir at Wyoming Illinois High School from 1966-1969, Michael became the Director of Choral Music at Limestone Community High School in Bartonville, IL where he served from 1969 - 2002. He was a well loved choral director who impacted the lives of countless students over the years. He was named Peoria County Teacher of the year in 1977, and named Limestone Teacher of the year in 1978 & 2002. Mike received a Recognition of Excellence in 1978 from the Illinois State Board of Education for "Those Who Excel." In 1984, he received the Governor's Award of Commendation in the Master Teacher Program. Michael's highly acclaimed high school madrigal dinner was famous in Central Illinois, setting the bar for all other high school dinners in the area. His extensive musical contributions include over 30 musicals and a spring dinner theatre called And All That Jazz. His commitment to musical excellence inspired all who had the privilege of learning under his direction, including choirs at Glen Oak Christian Church in Peoria, Bethel Lutheran Church in Bartonville, Salem Lutheran Church in Peoria, Living Waters Lutheran Church in Peoria, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus, and Peoria Philharmonic Chorale. Michael married Sherrill Naug in 1966. He was devoted to his wife and his children, Jason (Tina) of Germantown Hills, and Nikki Medaris (Brian) of Manhattan, Kansas. To those who knew him, his quirky humor and big heart stood out above everything else. During his later years, he crafted several beautiful woodworking projects using the same care and devotion that he used in crafting his music. He enjoyed fishing, and he loved maintaining his rural home for the enjoyment of family and friends. He reluctantly tolerated Sherrill's love for traveling to countries throughout the world. Despite only having two children, Michael had ten grandchildren: Emma, Jude, Cole, Olivia, Evie, & Lincoln Morris; Stone, Strider, Steele, and J.P. Medaris. A visitation will be held on Friday night, April 1st from 5-8 p.m. at Living Waters Lutheran Church in Peoria (7229 N. Knoxville). A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 2nd at 11:00 a.m. with a one hour visitation prior to the service, also at Living Waters. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers donations in honor of James Michael Morris may be made to the following: Philharmonic Chorale (c/o Carl Williams, Pres. 1025 Silver Maple Ln. Peoria, IL 61604), or Living Waters Lutheran Church (c/o Pastor Mark Schoenhals PO Box 9489 Peoria, IL 61612), or Limestone Community High School Choral Music Program (c/o Jill Warren, Principal 4201 Airport Rd. Bartonville, Il 61607). Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com