James Morrison, Executive Director of Oaks Indian Mission, Dies

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- James Morrison, executive director of Oaks
Indian Mission, Oaks, Okla., died Feb. 13 in Tulsa, Okla., from
blastomycosis. He was 56. Oaks Indian Mission is a social
ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA),
serving as a child care organization licensed by the State of
Oklahoma.
Born in Claremore, Okla., Morrison was raised by his mother
in Salina, Okla. After her unexpected death Morrison, along with
his sister and brother, moved to Oaks Indian Mission. Morrison
received his high school diploma from Oaks Mission High School in
1967. He earned a bachelor of science degree in 1974 and a
master's degree in education in 1978 from Northeastern State
University, Tahlequah, Okla.
Morrison was a teacher and sports coach at Oaks Mission from
1974 to 1980. He left public education to become a community
developer for the town of Oaks, and later served as assistant
director and director for Oaks Indian Center, Oaks. Morrison was
appointed to the Oaks Mission school board, serving as president
from the mid-1980s to the present. He was a member of the
International Order of Oddfellows, Pryor, Okla.
"The first time I met James, he was the new director of the
Oaks Indian Center. Very much the gentleman, James listened and
waited for his turn to speak. A man of few words he spoke slowly
with a southern, country speech pattern. It soon became apparent
that he didn't need many words to express his love and concern
for the residents, house parents, teachers and staff at Oaks,"
said Marilyn Sorenson, director for American Indian and Alaska
Native ministries, ELCA Multicultural Ministries.
"I later learned he could raise his voice, in particular if
his opinion didn't agree with a referee's call at his beloved
basketball games. James loved people, particularly youth, who
became residents of Oaks Indian Mission. His gentle manner of
facing challenges and quiet demeanor will be missed by family,
friends and the surrounding community," said Sorenson.
An evening prayer service was held Feb. 16 at Reed-Culver
Chapel, Talequah. The funeral service took place Feb. 17 in the
gymnasium at Oaks Mission High School. The Rev. Jack D. Russell,
Eben Ezer Lutheran Church, Oaks, and the Rev. Donald E.H.
Marshall, campaign director, Oaks Indian Center, officiated.
Morrison is survived by his wife Rita Morrison, two
daughters, three sons and one grandson.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
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