John Morris Obituary

The Rev. John K. Morris

January 3, 2025

NAPA - The Rev. John K. Morris passed peacefully with his family surrounding him on January 3, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born and raised in Denver, CO, he attended the University of Colorado School of Engineering for a year before being appointed to the Naval Academy, graduating in 1961. Seven days after his graduation, he married the love of his life Patricia (Bybee), whom he had known since he was 5 and she was 4. He then began a 20-year Navy Career, assigned to various bases across the U.S., as an officer on missile and patrol submarines. With a young family that he found he missed, he decided to leave submarines and became an engineering officer. John continued his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he received his Masters in ocean engineering and naval architecture. After being posted to Mare Island Naval shipyard, the family moved to Napa in 1978. John retired from the Navy in 1981, and then embarked on his career as a consulting engineer, which included time with Earl & Wright and FEMA.

John had a deep faith in God, and in 1992 he was ordained as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church. While he continued his career in engineering he pursued his theological calling, serving at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Napa, and also volunteering at Napa Valley Hospice as a spiritual care provider. This was truly the passion of his life. He was further called, and at the age of 72, he finished his theological studies and was ordained a priest. He continued as a volunteer priest at St. Mary's. Further community service included his participation on the Napa County Grand Jury for three years.

After 54 years of marriage, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, in 2015. John is survived by his 4 children and their spouses, Corinne Morris-Sherwin (Buck), Janet Morris-Modrich (Mike), Carol Pierce (Rod) and Paul Morris. In addition, he is survived by 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

John was a much beloved man, husband, father and grandfather, who will be sorely missed for his compassion and calm and loving spirit. A Celebration of Life for John will be held on February 22nd at 1pm at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 1917 3rd St., Napa, CA 94559. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church in his honor, or to the Alzheimer's Association.