ELCA NEWS SERVICE
February 20, 2006
James Morrison, Executive Director of Oaks Indian Mission, Dies 06-024-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- James Morrison, executive director of Oaks Indian Mission, Oaks, Okla., died Feb. 13 in Tulsa, Okla., from blastomycosis. He was 56. Oaks Indian Mission is a social ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), serving as a child care organization licensed by the State of Oklahoma.
Born in Claremore, Okla., Morrison was raised by his mother in Salina, Okla. After her unexpected death Morrison, along with his sister and brother, moved to Oaks Indian Mission. Morrison received his high school diploma from Oaks Mission High School in 1967. He earned a bachelor of science degree in 1974 and a master's degree in education in 1978 from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Okla.
Morrison was a teacher and sports coach at Oaks Mission from 1974 to 1980. He left public education to become a community developer for the town of Oaks, and later served as assistant director and director for Oaks Indian Center, Oaks. Morrison was appointed to the Oaks Mission school board, serving as president from the mid-1980s to the present. He was a member of the International Order of Oddfellows, Pryor, Okla.
"The first time I met James, he was the new director of the Oaks Indian Center. Very much the gentleman, James listened and waited for his turn to speak. A man of few words he spoke slowly with a southern, country speech pattern. It soon became apparent that he didn't need many words to express his love and concern for the residents, house parents, teachers and staff at Oaks," said Marilyn Sorenson, director for American Indian and Alaska Native ministries, ELCA Multicultural Ministries.
"I later learned he could raise his voice, in particular if his opinion didn't agree with a referee's call at his beloved basketball games. James loved people, particularly youth, who became residents of Oaks Indian Mission. His gentle manner of facing challenges and quiet demeanor will be missed by family, friends and the surrounding community," said Sorenson.
An evening prayer service was held Feb. 16 at Reed-Culver Chapel, Talequah. The funeral service took place Feb. 17 in the gymnasium at Oaks Mission High School. The Rev. Jack D. Russell, Eben Ezer Lutheran Church, Oaks, and the Rev. Donald E.H. Marshall, campaign director, Oaks Indian Center, officiated.
Morrison is survived by his wife Rita Morrison, two daughters, three sons and one grandson.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog