James Morgan

Services are scheduled at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 4, at Lake Arthur Methodist Church, for James Jim Morgan of Lake Arthur, New Mexico.

Don Johnston will officiate at the services and burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Elida Cemetery, in Elida, New Mexico. Pallbearers will be Scotty Lyles, Jody Lyles, Jarrod Moreau, Button Ancell, Jamey Kennemur and John Jackson.

Mr. Morgan passed away in his home Tuesday, March 1, 2011 after a hard battle with cancer.

He was born November 19, 1930 in Elida to H.E. Morgan and Bessie James Morgan. He was their only child.

After attending school in Elida and joining R.O.T.C., he continued his education at New Mexico State University as well as Eastern New Mexico becoming an Alumni of both schools.

He married this love of HIS life Janiece Pearson Morgan on August 19, 1951. They made their homes along with his military career in Denver, Colorado, San Antonio, Texas, and Puerto Rico.
He was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a navigator, bombadeer and intelligence officer in Strategic Air Command.

He worked in the Soil Conservation service after leaving the military. Later becoming a teacher following in the footsteps of his parents. Mr. Morgan taught the sciences, ag, drivers ed, and coached basketball at Lake Arthur schools. He later became the principal and a well known supporter of the students and their endeavors.

He was a resident of Lake Arthur for more than 40 years and was a member of the Lake Arthur Methodist Church.

After retirement he became active in Senior Olympics, winning many gold medals and qualifying for Nationals many times.

He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, horses and the great outdoors. A true cowboy at heart.

His children include Jeffrey Mathew Morgan, Marcy Lynn Morgan and Julie Marie Morgan Lyles and husband Jody all of Lake ArthurCottonwood area. He is grandfather to Tabatha Jo Lyles Moreau and Jarrod, Berl James Button Ancell and wife Cara, Scotty Joe Lyles and fiance Lucretia. Greatgrandchildren include Jamey Kennemur, Emilee Kennemur, Charles Moreau and Ethan Lyles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Portales Baptist Childrens Home, Kymera Cancer Center, American Cancer Society, or Vista Care Hospice.