Jack Morris, former College of Business and Economics dean and professor emeritus, died from a heart attack at his home in New Meadows, Idaho on Saturday, August 16.
Morris served the University of Idaho in several capacities, but was first employed by UI in 1974 as a business and economic development planner through the Center for Native American Development. Following his ascension as acting director of CNAD in 1979 and 1980, he then changed course by adopting the role of professorship, earning many awards and accolades for his contributions to the university.
UI CBE Dean Mario Reyes was a close friend and former colleague of Morris, and said he will be greatly missed.
“Jack Morris was an educator and academic leader, who impacted so many lives,” Reyes said. “To me, Jack was a co-author, mentor, IBC collaborator and then boss and coach.”
Morris retired in December 2011 after serving as the dean of CBE from 2006 to 2011. He continued to be active in university affairs post-retirement, serving as a member in various UI-affiliated committees, including serving on the Board of Directors for the National Professional Golf Management Program.
Morris was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed spending time hiking, fishing, chukar hunting and snow skiing. He participated in many of these activities with close friends and his wife, Linda Morris.
There will be two memorial services held in Jack Morris’ honor, one in Moscow, and one near his home in New Meadows. The Moscow service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, in the UI Auditorium, with a reception will follow in the courtyard outside of CBE. The second memorial service is at 4 p.m. Sunday, at 2992 Round Valley Road, at the Circle C Ranches’ meadow overlooking Mt. Pollock — a place where Morris used to work daily.
George Wood c
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