James Thomas “Tom” Morris, 88, of Frankfort, passed away March 18, 2026 at Wesley Manor. He was born September 15, 1937 in Logansport, IN to Rev. Edward Elmer Morris and Gladys (Threlkeld) Morris. He married Joyce Trautwein on August 29, 1959 and she survives.
Tom was a 1955 graduate of Cutler High School, received his Bachelor Degree in education from Maryville College in TN, and went on to receive his Master’s Degree in education from Indiana University. He was inducted into the Maryville College Athletic Wall of Fame in 1982. He formerly lived in Monticello and Whiteland before moving to Frankfort in 1967 to teach and coach freshman basketball. Shortly after, he became the principal at the Frankfort Junior High for 26 years, until his retirement in 1992. Tom was a member of the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed basketball, golf, crossword puzzles, I.U. sports, and spending time in North Fort Myers FL for 26 years during the winter. Tom also enjoyed playing poker with a close group for over 50 years. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and grandchildren.
Tom is survived by his wife Joyce Morris of Frankfort, children, Sherri (Larry) LeVan of Irving, TX, Karen Ruch of Lebanon, John (LeAnne) Morris of Lebanon, sister, Elizabeth (Mike) Rice, grandchildren, Kyle (Amy) Ruch, Emily (Brent) Noble, Madeline (Brendon Barnes) Ruch, Jake, James and Kale Morris, Allison (Bronson) Kimball, 7 great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, David and Peter Morris, sister, Rachel Hendrix and grandson, Richard “Ricky” LeVan.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-4 p.m. April 18, 2026 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Memorial donations, in honor of his grandson Ricky LeVan, may be made to NAMI North Texas, 2812 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204, online at https://donate.nami.org/. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence.