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James Morris, vice chair of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, who has been one of central Indiana’s most influential business and civic leaders for more than six decades, died Friday night. He was 81.
“Last night, Indianapolis lost a true giant with the passing of my dear friend Jim Morris,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said Saturday in a statement. “Jim’s outsized impact on Indianapolis and our state will be felt for decades to come.”
Pacers officials announced the news Saturday morning.
“Morris was one of the most influential and impactful leaders in state history and helped shape the economic, social, and cultural landscapes of Indianapolis and Indiana over his 60-year professional career,” the Pacers organization said.
Morris helped usher in Unigov during his six years as chief of staff for then-Indianapolis Mayor Richard Lugar from 1967-73 and helped create IUPUI, which formally split into two universities—Indiana University-Indianapolis and Purdue University in Indianapolis—earlier this year.
He also helped develop Market Square Arena and establish the Indiana Sports Corp., and served as president of Lilly Endowment Inc., where he earmarked $25 million to help build the Hoosier Dome and raised funds for projects including the Indianapolis Zoo.
From 1989-2002, Morris was chair and CEO of Indianapolis Water Co./IWC Resources. And from 2002-2005, he served as executive director of the World Food Programme.
Morris returned to Indianapolis to join the Indiana Pacers in 2007 as president before moving into the role of vice chair of PS&E in 2014. Last year, he retired from the Indiana University board, where he served on and off for several decades, twice as chair.
“There are no words that would do justice to how consequential Jim’s life truly was,” Pacers owner Herb Simon said in a statement issued by the Pacers organization. “To his very last day, he was hard at work bringing people together to help those most in need and make our city and our state stronger, more civil, and more united. No one loved Indiana and Indianapolis more than Jim.
“To us, though, Jim was family, a lifelong friend, a mentor, and the ultimate fan. He was a constant presence in Gainbridge Fieldhouse and an endless source of optimism on the future of his beloved Pacers, Fever and Indiana University. Jim will be sorely missed by all of us, and we will keep him and his family in our prayers now and always.”
A graduate of Indiana University with a master’s degree from Butler University, Morris started his career with American Fletcher National Bank in 1965 before serving as chief of staff to Lugar from 1967-73. In 1973, he joined the Lilly Endowment, ultimately becoming its president and holding that position from 1984-88.
Beginning in 1989, he spent 13 years as chairman and CEO for IWC Resources Corp. and Indianapolis Water Co.
From 2002-07, he served as executive director for the World Food Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian agency. In that role, Morris spent time in some of the world’s most impoverished areas, working with world leaders to care for the hungry and poor. During that time, he also served as the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the humanitarian crisis in southern Africa.
Morris also served numerous organizations in a variety of leadership roles, including as a university trustee and board chairman for both Indiana University and Indiana State University.
Other significant roles included serving on the executive board of UNICEF, the National Advisory Board for the Boy Scouts of America, the United States Olympic Committee (treasurer), Riley Children’s Foundation (chairman emeritus), the American Red Cross (board of governors), Hulman & Co. board of directors, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway board of directors, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Indianapolis Power & Light advisory board.
Morris received 17 honorary doctorates, including the Sachem Award, given to him by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2021, and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, given to him by President Barack Obama in 2016.
“Indiana lost a favorite son and true servant leader,” Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said Saturday in a written statement. “Jim Morris, the quintessential Hoosier, didn’t just preach of the blessings of his faith, family, friends and vocation, he brought fullness to them all. He cared as much about helping a hungry stranger as he did dining with any Pope or Princess. His love for his childhood home in Terre Haute was equaled by his devotion to his alma mater Indiana University.
“We all have Jim Morris to thank for being such a relentless positive force and builder of our capital city into the international destination it is today. Everyone could learn from Jim’s wisdom, giant heart for humanity and appetite for the arts. Janet and I will miss our dear friend, everyday, and are praying for Jackie and the Morris family during this challenging time.”
Taylor Schaffer, president and CEO of civic organization Downtown Indy, praised Morris for his dedication to making downtown a desirable destination.
“I don’t know that I could name another person who loved Indianapolis as much as Jim did,” she said in an email. “He believed so passionately in the power and opportunity of Downtown as everyone’s neighborhood and consistently expressed his optimism for what the future had in store. … Regardless of age or political beliefs, background or experiences, Jim was singularly adept at bringing people together–because they always knew that when he did it, it was in service of our community.”
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A great, kind man. Great family man, civil servant and lover of his community.
Terribly saddened by this loss. Proud to have known Jim and to have called him a friend. He was such an impactful, kind and decent man. He loved our City and State. He loved his family, friends, and this country. He was a man of service and unselfish dedication to others especially those less fortunate. We have lost a great man.
Agreed! He was one of the last holdovers of servant leaders from that generation that propelled the City from Naptown to a city that could punch above its weight, in spite of our geographical and other limitations. RIP Jim, job well done!
A great community leader and mentor to countless people, not just in Indianapolis, but across the country and around the world. RIP, and job well done.
Almighty oak has fallen.
We have lost a GIANT and his impact on our City will never never be forgotten.
Jim was always gracious and willing to assist in doing good for Indianapolis and the World. I was honored to have him as a mentor and friend. Jim taught me “that when you do good for the community you do good for your leave the a legacy of honor.” Jim’s finger prints are all over Indianapolis. RIP Jim, you will continue to be honored.
Jim was a sui generis blend of knowledge, kindness, generosity, positivity and pragmatism. Indianapolis, Indiana, and the world, have all benefited from his life and work among us.
Jim was a leader, a humanitarian and a great man. Every time I saw him at a community event, or in his office- I learned something valuable and I left wanting more.
I especially enjoyed learing about his time leading the World Food Program- The lesson: Saving the world is really hard work.
The fact that we chose different political parties was never an issue. We both wanted to make things “better” and we enjoyed talking through the best ways to do so. The lesson: Judge people by who they are what they do and how they treat others- not by any label starting with either “R” or “D”.
The last time I was in touch with Jim he suugested that we “get together soon”- and now its too late. Today I am filled with regret. The lesson: When offered an opportunity for wisdom and insight and inspiration- don’t hesitate- take it -as soon as you can- it may have an expiration date.
Very few people have the impact on a City, University and State as Jim He set the structure that will last for generations Jim’s leadership style should be a model for everyone in a world that needs leadership. He will be missed.
I often talk with my kids about the great leaders we had in Indy during the 1970’s -2000 These men had vision for our city. Jim Morris was right at the top. I can remember the days Indpls downtown was dark by 7pm
Thanks Jim Morris and others for making this city First Class! You swill be missed.