"My prayers go out to all of my family members I?ve never had the opportunity to meet personally. James was my dad?s nephew and their names were identical. I?ve read lots of wonderful things about his life. Try to dwell on the good memories and the love he?s shared with you throughout his lifetime. Love, Debra Morton Whitney "
In loving memory of
James Wesley Morton
April 2, 1932 - July 30, 2019
Madison - James Wesley Morton, 87, died on July 30, 2019, at Nazareth Nursing Home in Stoughton. He was born on April 2, 1932, in Morgantown, West Virginia to Cleveland and Johnnie Mae Morton. He graduated from Fairmont High School and continued his education on the GI Bill at Madison Area Technical College in Madison, Wisconsin, graduating with an Associate's Degree in Social Work.
Mr. Morton served his country during the Korean War era as a member of the United States Air Force. After that, he became a reservist, serving in the United States Army Reserves for more than twenty (20) years. He was very proud of his military service and spoke fondly of the men and women with whom he served.
He enjoyed many sports, having played baseball and football, but his true love was boxing. While in the Air Force, he qualified for the boxing team and became a successful amateur and professional boxing career. His boxing career spanned twenty-one (21) years.
He hung up his boxing gloves at age 39 and became a beloved coach. He coached several accomplished Golden Gloves boxers at the St. Martin's House, including Jerald James, Gary Fox, James Morton, Jr. and Wesley Morton, and he could also be found at Penn Park, coaching the Southside Raiders Pop Warner Football team.
Mr. Morton spent many years at various jobs; however, he found long-term employment with the Madison Parks Department, where he worked for approximately twenty-five (25) years until his retirement. In retirement, he enjoyed working in the cafeteria at Thomas Jefferson Middle School.
Mr. Morton is survived by five of his eight children, James Morton, Jr. and his spouse Dawn Fontaine, Joesph Morton, Angela (Morton) Psalmonds and her spouse Joseph Psalmonds, Jesse Morton, Michael Morton and Tonda Scott; nieces and nephews, Robert Morton, Tonya Harris, Joan Bush, Linda Smith, John Bush, Ameche Morton, Demetria Morton, Charlene Braxton, Donald Braxton, Tyrone Braxton, Harold Ferguson, Donald Magee and James Magee; grandchildren, Barbara Alexander, Brendan Morton, Nikia Morton, Tiffany Morton, Tyler Morton, Wesley Morton, Danielle Morton, Dillion Morton, Joseph Morton, Jessica Morton, Chandler Morton, Andrea Morton, Prenetta Morton, Jay Rogers, Dallas Rogers, Jordan Hughes, Angelea Morton and Michael Morton, Jr. and many great-grandchildren and great-grand nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doreen Ann Morton, his second wife, June Viola Morton, his sons, Young Cleve (Boe) Morton and Wesley Morton, and siblings, Floydzella, Cleve Morton, Joan Bush, and Don Ameche Morton.
Mr. Morton was loved by many and will be missed, but never forgotten. He left us with many laughable moments and lots to think about.
Funeral service will take place on Thursday, August 1, 2019, at 3:00 PM at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery in Madison. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.
Donations may be sent to South Madison Boys and Girls Club at Boys & Girls Club of Dane CountyAttn: Development Office 1818 W. Beltline Hwy, Madison, WI 53713.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3610 Speedway Road
(608) 238-3434
Tributes
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of James Wesley Morton, during this difficult time. James Morton Jr. , I want you to know that, I am am sure your Dad was very proud of you and all that you have accomplished. I am certain that your were and are a chip off the ole block. Stay strong and know that I will be praying for you and your family. God Speed... Krystal R. Canady The Gateway Family YMCA Elizabeth, NJ "
"My sincere condolences to the family of James Wesley Morton. I never had the pleasure of meeting him, however his son, James Morton Jr. has been a mentor, advisor and great influence in my life. I can only imagine the role he played in producing such a wise and generous son. My you find peace and comfort in one another during this difficult time. "
"My condolences to the family of James Wesley Morton. Although I have never met Mr. Morton, I have heard fond stories and memories from James. Mr. Morton was highly regarded and his influence on James, as well as others I'm sure, will live as his tremendous legacy. May God bless James Wesley Morton and his family. "
"My father spent the latter days in the care of the caring staff of Nazareth Health and Rehabilitation in Stoughton. I want to thank everyone at Nazareth for bringing joy and peace to our father at times when he may have needed it most. Thanks also for always keeping us informed. Thank you - all of you - for making his final days as peaceful and reassuring as possible. With great gratitude, the Morton Family. "