James "Corky" Paxton Morris

James Paxton “Corky” Morris, 83, was born in Tulsa, OK., son of Carl Paxton Morris and Kathryn Cross Morris, went to be with our Lord Thursday, September 27, 2018, in Albuquerque, N.M.

Corky moved to Albuquerque in 1945, graduating from Highland High School in 1953 and attended the University of New Mexico where he majored in Business Administration, played baseball for three years and coached the freshman baseball team for one year. In 1957 he married Sally Carpenter of Farmington, N.M.

He served as President and General Manager of the family businesses, Commercial Warehouse Company and Sun City Transfer & Storage until he retired in 2014. Commercial Warehouse Company was founded by his parents, Carl and Kathryn Morris in 1950; and has employed many family members through the years. Corky was very involved in transportation organizations; He was a charter member and the first President of the New Mexico Movers and Warehousemen’s Association, past Vice-President Southwest Warehouse and Transfer Association; past member and Board of Directors New Mexico Motor Carriers; and former member, past President, Secretary-Treasurer Delta Nu Alpha Business Fraternity.

In 1996 being very active in his church, Corky was baptized and confirmed in Our Lady of Fatima Church. He served as an alter server, Eucharistic Minister at church and for the homebound, lector/commentator, past president of the steering committee, and of the parish council.

Community involvement was important; He was a former member and past president of both Collett Park Elementary school PTA, and Bernalillo County Council of PTA’s; member, past president, and served on the of the board of directors for five terms at the Rotary Club of Albuquerque. He was also a former member and served on the board of directors for the International Science Fair, Executive Committee of the Albuquerque Civic Light Opera Association, Heights General Hospital, and Presbyterian Heart Institute, Presbyterian Hospital.

Corky was also very active in the Republican party; serving as the Chairman of the Bernalillo County Republican Party 1966 – 1969, Treasurer and Campaign Manager “Pete Domenici for City Commission” 1966, Campaign Manager “Domenici for Governor” 1970, delegate to the Republican National Convention 1968, 1976, 1984, serving as the chairman of the delegation in 1976 and 1984, State Finance Chairman Republican Party of New Mexico 1975 – 1977, State Finance Chairman Republican Party of New Mexico 1981 – 1983, member of the Republican National Committee 1981 – 1983, State Finance Chairman “Reagan for President” 1979 – 1980, State Chairman “Reagan – Bush ‘84” 1983 – 1984, Finance Chairman “Jack Stahl for Lt. Governor” 1986, Special Events Chairman “Hal Stratton for Attorney General” 1986, and a member of the Commission on Presidential Scholars 1982 – 1990. He was elected to the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners from 1972 – 1982, serving as the chairman of the board for 2 terms.

Corky is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sally; sons Jim Morris (Marilynn), Joe Morris (JoAnn) of New Mexico; and daughter Janna Marie Kimmel (Terry) of Oklahoma; five grandchildren Mary-Therese Morris, Stuart Morris, Phil Morris of New Mexico, Pete Gibson and Madison Goben of Oklahoma; fifteen great grandchildren; and his sister Gayle Denslow (John) of New Mexico. He was predeceased by a grandson, Christopher Morris.

A special thanks to Kathy Sechrist, RN of Advanced Home Health & Hospice of New Mexico and the staff of the North Ridge Alzheimers Special Care Facility.

If desired donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, New Mexico Boys Ranch, Casa Angelica or a charity of your choice.

Services will be held Saturday, October 6, 2018; Rosary 9:00 a.m., Eulogy 9:30 a.m., Mass 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Albuquerque, NM.