James David Morrison Morris

James David Morrison Morris passed away at the age of 89 on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at his home at Blueberry Gardens in Bothell, WA. He was born September 2, 1924 at Fort Lewis, WA, and was the son of the late David and Frances (Morrison) Morris. James was a 1945 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from MIT. As an Air Force pilot, James flew B-47s and B-52s under the Strategic Air Command and later flew C-141 Star lifters during the Vietnam War. James retired in 1966 as a Lieutenant Colonel and went on to work as an aeronautical engineer with Boeing. James was a classic do-it-yourselfer, building a tree house log home on Mercer Island that included constructing an intricate pulley system to hoist logs that he floated from Renton to his lakefront property. James was also an avid airplane buff and spent many years building his own float plane and glider. He also loved riding motorcycles, sailing, and cruising around Lake Washington in his unique fleet of rag-tag boats. On July 5, 1987, James married the love of his life, Moira J. Anderst. James and Moira enjoyed many years of camping, hi...[more]

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ing, traveling, visiting Ireland, cooking, and listening to classical music. James was well known as a pack rat; collecting stacks of aviation, scientific, and mechanical magazines as well as owning dozens of flannel shirts and suspenders. He loved his blended family and enjoyed the many times they shared together. James is survived by his wife of 27 years and children Barbara Nordin (David), Cate Leach (Bill), Deborah Mendenhall (Phillip), Elisabeth O'Brien (Daniel), Erika DeCaire (Phillip), Jeannie Anderst, Patricia Barstow (Bill), Thomas Morris (Kelly), and William Anderst (Ann). James had 24 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and was preceded in death by his son, David Morris.