James 'Jim' Morrison Jr., IBM retiree
James Eugene "Jim" Morrison Jr., passed away Friday, April 8, 2016, at his home in Rehoboth Beach. Jim was born in Okmulgee, Okla., Sept. 21, 1941, son of the late James Eugene "Gene" and Eleanor Bothwell Morrison.
Jim and his three sisters grew up in Tulsa, Okla. He graduated from Central High School in 1959 and from Oklahoma State University with a degree in engineering in 1963. He was a proud member of the Sigma Nu fraternity at OSU. After graduation, Jim moved to the Los Angeles area to work for North American Aviation on engineering projects for the upcoming Apollo program. After moving to Fort Worth to begin his long IBM career, he earned his master of applied science degree from Southern Methodist University and started his family. Following an IBM move to Ridgefield, Conn., Jim met and married the love of his life, Lynne.
Jim and Lynne shared a passion for scuba diving, and they had many exciting adventures with wonderful friends. After retiring from IBM, Jim continued his interest in the history of astronomy. His early interest in sundials led to a deep passion for the astrolabe. Jim's research led to making the astrolabe, an ancient device, popular in a new era. He made working astrolabes for countless students and others, and his book about their design and construction is highly praised and very popular. He also participated in researching a 1769 scientific expedition during that year’s transit of Venus that led to erection of a historical marker in Lewes.
Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lynne; two sons: Chris and wife Christine of Kansas City, Mo. and Brian of Bethel, Conn.; a daughter, Jenny and husband Chris of Round Rock, Texas; five grandchildren: Emily and Jack Morrison and Christopher, Jacob and Sam Reynolds; three sisters: Bette McCormick of Richardson, Texas, Marilyn Cox of Tulsa and Pam Jones of Los Angeles, Calif.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 14, at 11 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 163, Salisbury, MD 21803.
Please visit Jim's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
