Obituary: John Walter Morris

On Feb. 17, 2024, John Walter Morris, a captain of industry, outstanding businessman, loyal friend, community leader, accomplished golfer, dutiful husband and patriotic father, passed from this earth to his next challenge.

During his 94 years of life, John was a member of the U.S. Army (sergeant), Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce, East Side Businessman Association (president), Western New York Electronics Guild (president), Our Lady of Lebanon Church, and owner of John’s TV Service (Niagara Street) for over 40 years. John was a longtime resident of Grand Island, before retiring from his business and moving to Sun City, Arizona.

John advocated social change, unity and success to all he connected with. He brought that same tenacity to the game he grew to love and master, which was the majesty of golf. Many people have shared his obsession and have experienced his enthusiasm for the game, during tournaments sponsored by Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, the Niagara Falls Country Club (Oxy), the Sun City Octogenarian and Frontier Club. All have experienced his competitive nature. His legacy and love for golf was taught to and shared with his great-nephew, Jerome Rodgers, whom he mentored.

John is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, the former Ozella Rodgers; by his son and partner, Michael (Michele); by two grandchildren: Sean and Demetrius; and by several great-grandchildren. John was predeceased by his three daughters: Monyuette, Regina and Sharon; and by his son-in-law, Jimmy Coplin. He will be missed by family and friends alike.

John was well traveled and enjoyed the fruits of this world. To all that have shared, experienced, mentored and traveled through the path, thank you for making John’s journey memorable. He did it his way – “It Is What It Is.”