James Howard "Jimmy" Morton was born November 8, 1931 in Van Buren, Arkansas, son of Frederick Lee and Jewel Addie (Hadden) Morton.  He was raised in Oklahoma, graduating from Atoka High School.

In 1948, James joined the United States Army.  In January of 1949 he was sent to Korea where he served during the Korean War until 1951.  He was discharged from the Army in 1953.

On July 1, 1954, James met Betty L. Barnes in Crescent, Oklahoma at the Post Office.  James was driving his little convertible and Betty fell in love!  Twelve days later on July 12, 1954, James and Betty were married.  The first six months of their marriage was spent traveling, playing donkey ball from Wyoming to Texas, before settling back in Crescent.  In 1978, they moved to Waldron, Kansas and in 1990 to Anthony.

James dedicated his life to working as a farm hand for many farmers in Oklahoma and Kansas.  At different times he raised dogs, birds, and fish.  He had a green thumb and loved plants.  He was a member of the Revolution Fellowship Church.

James' greatest love was his family.  He was well loved by his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  Growing up his children valued all the things he thrived to teach them.  Trips to grandpa's were always a treat with ice cream every night, and a little fun outside on the tractor or go-cart.  An avid reader, he enjoyed all types of books, especially ones that expanded his knowledge.

On September 26, 2023, James passed away at Patterson Health Center at the age of 91.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty on October 25, 2017; his parents; two sons, Billy and Johnny; and three brothers, Freddie, Michael, and Earnest.

James will be deeply missed by his children:  Wesley Morton and wife, Meredith of Ponca City, OK, Rick Morton and wife, Pam of Anthony, and Cathryn Carpenter and husband, Ernie of Anthony; siblings: Darrell Morton of Waldron, Myrtle Lowe of Oklahoma City, OK, and Dale Morton of Tecumseh, OK; 9 grandchildren: Jessica, Jeremy, Cathy, Jennifer, April, Damon, Jeffrey, Joni, and Kevin; 38 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many friends.

The family will be holding a memorial service 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Revolution Fellowship Church in Anthony.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.