Jim Morris, a connector with a giant heart, passes away at 81
Jim Morris was civic leader who joined Pacers Sports & Entertainment in 2007 and served as vice chairman since 2014. He passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Jim Morris was a caring man.
He had a giant heart for so much.
For family, community and his sports teams. He was a unifier, an Indiana man who was so impactful. Mostly to elevate others and, in turn, for the betterment of the community.
Morris passed away Friday night at the age of 81. Pacers Sports & Entertainment announced the news at 8 a.m. ET Saturday morning.
“There are no words that would do justice to how consequential Jim’s life truly was. To his very last day, he was hard at work bringing people together to help those most in need and make our city and our state stronger, more civil, and more united.
“No one loved Indiana and Indianapolis more than Jim. To us, though, Jim was family, a lifelong friend, a mentor, and the ultimate fan. He was a constant presence in Gainbridge Fieldhouse and an endless source of optimism on the future of his beloved Pacers, Fever, and Indiana University. Jim will be sorely missed by all of us, and we will keep him and his family in our prayers now and always.”
Immediately, messages and tweets and reactions came pouring in — which was no surprise. (Scroll down to see many of the reactions.)
Seemingly everyone involved in sports and business in central Indiana didn’t just know Morris, they felt like they understood him.
Jim Morris was LinkedIn before LinkedIn.
I can’t tell you how many events he hosted at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, usually up in Pacers Square, to welcome a community leader to town. A new head coach or athletic director, the new NCAA president, or someone else with a major influence on the community.
Morris wanted to make sure the newcomer wasn’t just welcomed, but that they also immediately tapped into the community and could use those resources to succeed.
I was fortunate to be on the receiving end of some invitations, including one several months out, scheduled for this fall. And I’ll never forget when I was a teenager — working for the Pacers and Fever as a ball kid — walking past his executive office and being welcomed in. I sat down and I think we talked for about 30 minutes. He was curious about my role and aspirations to work in sports media, etc.
Morris, a proud Hoosier from Terre Haute, attended Indiana University and served multiple stints on the Board of Trustees, twice serving as the chair. He loved IU. He also served as the chief of staff when Richard Lugar was mayor and then he worked for the Lilly Endowment.
He was brought on to PS&E in 2007 by Donnie Walsh, first as a special consultant and then president one year later. Then in Sept. 2014, he became vice chairman as Rick Fuson was elevated to president. Fuson just retired one month ago after exactly 40 years with PS&E.
You know all these major sporting events that choose Indy, like the Super Bowl, U.S. Swim Trials, Big Ten Basketball Tournament, Big Ten Football Championship Game, College Football Playoff National Championship, etc.? That’s first because of Indiana Sports Corp, which Morris helped establish. And then it’s about the people and Hoosier Hospitality.
Morris, without a doubt, was a central figure in creating the sports scene Indy enjoys today.
“Herb Simon, our owner, a remarkable man, always does things the right way, will never take advantage, will never cut the corner, and will always do it in such a way a terrific face is put on the team and the community,” Morris said in 2015 after they acquired the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
And the same could be said for Morris. He had a vision, wanted to do right by others and lift everyone up — especially the community.
Morris had this presence about him that you felt, not because it was intimidating but rather warmth. He could talk to anyone.
For some, he was Mr. Indianapolis.
And I saw that recently at the start of the Indiana Fever season.
Wearing a red sweater, Morris was walking around the event level, just off the court, when a couple of fans shouted his named and waved him over. They wanted a photo with him. He happily obliged and then gave them his business card. Two fans, total strangers.
Maybe they sent him the photo or maybe Morris sent them team gear or tickets to another game. But I have no doubt that conversation continued after that brief interaction.
Now the Fever are selling out every game, but it wasn’t like this before Caitlin Clark. But as Indy’s women’s basketball team was getting its feet on the ground, Morris did whatever he could to make sure it succeeded.
“Jim was Indiana royalty,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in statement.
As the organization said in their statement above, he was a “constant presence in Gainbridge Fieldhouse.” Yes, he was always around and often hosting guests. It was done quietly and in private, usually up in his regular suite. He wasn’t out on the court presenting or receiving awards, which became even more clear as I tried to hunt down photos of him from the last decade. Nothing.
Unifier. Civic leader. Sports fan.
We so often talk about players being connectors, especially locally as it relates to Tyrese Haliburton.
Morris was the ultimate connector — from politics to business and sports.
It’s only fitting that Morris was able to enjoy NBA All-Star Weekend in Indy. And he added to his dozens of awards with yet another one. At the Athletes in Action All-Star breakfast Morris received the Jerry Colangelo Award in celebration of an executive who displays character in their local community.
This is another tough loss for the Pacers Sports & Entertainment family, joining Slick Leonard, George McGinnis, David Benner, Frank McGrath in the past few years.
What They Said
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner: I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my beloved friend Jim Morris. Jim was Indiana royalty. He devoted much of his life to serving his community and took great pride in seeing Indianapolis develop into a world-class destination. He also cared deeply about the Pacers and Fever and their role in inspiring and connecting people. And there was nobody better at bringing people together than Jim, who would often host gatherings of community, business and political leaders prior to Pacers games that were uplifting and unforgettable.
On behalf of the entire NBA family, we send our deepest condolences to Jim’s wife, Jackie, and their family; Herb Simon and his family; and all of Jim’s many friends and colleagues at Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
Steve Simon, Pacers owner: Jim was a relentless champion for the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana and brought people together to work on the common good more than anyone I have ever met. RIP my friend.
Indiana Fever: The Indiana Fever family is devastated by the news of the passing of Jim Morris, a statesman and leader whose life was dedicated to serving others in Indiana and across the globe. Since we began 25 years ago, we have had no greater supporter and advocate for our franchise, and he will be greatly missed.
Jim Irsay, Colts owner: I am so very sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend Jim Morris. Such a good man, larger-than-life, who always put our community first. My sympathies go out to Jim’s wife, Jackie, their family, the Pacers and Fever, and our city and state. Rest in peace, Jim
Tamika Catchings: Jim Morris… your daily commitment to God, Faith, Family and Love played out in your everyday interactions and just how you walked. I’m so thankful I have had you in my life for the past 20+ years while being in the Pacers Sports & Entertainment & Indiana Fever family! You’ve always been a huge advocate for me on and off the court in EVERY room you went in. You challenged me on some of my thinking and were always there to listen, give advice and ask the right questions to help me think through my situations. Thank you for always making time.
It’s not just the impact that you made in Indy, but the impact you made globally and your God-given ability to bring people together. You are going to be missed - YOU ARE ALREADY MISSED. Love you forever and ever Jim.
Kelly Krauskopf, Pacers assistant GM: My heart is heavy. But also grateful for the time I had with Jim Morris as a mentor and a friend. He would do anything he could to help us during the early years of building the Fever franchise. He was a true statesman and connector of people. Rest in peace Jim, you did good.
Bill Benner: Jim Morris was known for using the words “remarkable” and “extraordinary” in praise of others and their accomplishments. In fact, he was the essence of those words. Our city and state have lost one of our finest. Ever.
Eddie White, PS&E public relations: 1st met Jim in '89. He & Michael Browning wanted to make the Youthlinks Indiana event the best in the U.S. they did. Since then I've personally seen him help thousands of individuals BE better all the while making our city & state what they are today! A Terre Haute kid who grew to be a global giant for humanity. Thoughts to Jackie & family! Now, where do we put the statue?
Andy Mallon, Executive Director of Capital Improvement Board: Indianapolis lost one of its fathers today. A lot of individual people lost a mentor and a champion today. Jim Morris and the people he always brought together built the Indianapolis we have in 2024. He was so proud of the ppl he worked with and he told them so. Staggering loss.
Eric Holcomb, Indiana Governor: Indiana lost a favorite son and true servant leader. Jim Morris, the quintessential Hoosier, didn’t just preach of the blessings of his faith, family, friends and vocation, he brought fullness to them all. He cared as much about helping a hungry stranger as he did dining with any Pope or Princess. His love for his childhood home in Terre Haute was equaled by his devotion to his alma mater Indiana University. We all have Jim Morris to thank for being such a relentless positive force and builder of our capital city into the international destination it is today. Everyone could learn from Jim’s wisdom, giant heart for humanity and appetite for the arts. Janet and I will miss our dear friend, everyday, and are praying for Jackie and the Morris family during this challenging time.
Joe Hogsett, Indianapolis Mayor: Last night, Indianapolis lost a true giant with the passing of my dear friend Jim Morris. Jim's outsized impact on Indianapolis and our state will be felt for decades to come. He helped to establish the Indiana Sports Corp, shaping the sports strategy that laid the foundation for our recent record-breaking successes as a host city. He raised funds for pivotal projects like the Indianapolis Zoo and the Hoosier Dome. His leadership at Pacers Sports & Entertainment only solidified his place as a pillar of our community. And his dedication to humanitarian efforts extended his impact further to communities across the globe.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jim's wife Jackie and the entire Morris family, as well as to everyone at Pacers Sports & Entertainment. May we honor Jim's legacy by striving to lead our lives like he did - with compassion, humanity, and the spirit of service in everything we do.
Scott Dolson, Indiana Vice President and Director of Athletics: The entire IU Athletics family is heartbroken over the passing of Jim Morris. No individual has had a greater impact on the growth of sports in the state of Indiana than Jim. For the last six decades, he has reshaped our state into a leader nationally on both the collegiate and professional sports landscape. In addition to his impact on sports in our state, he has had an equally profound impact on Indiana University through his leadership role on the Board of Trustees and his various volunteer efforts.
On a personal level, Jim has been an enormous support to me throughout my time in leadership in our department He's been a valuable sounding board, confidant, and friend throughout my tenure. I always looked forward to receiving his emails and letters of support during the good days and the bad. I will miss those messages, and our conversations, terribly. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jackie and the entire Morris family.
Quinn Buckner: On behalf of the Indiana University Board of Trustees, we remember today the towering legacy of Jim Morris. Through his longtime board leadership, endless generosity, and love for his alma mater, Jim made a tremendous impact on the lU community, the people of Indiana, and many others across the globe. In my own life, Jim was a mentor and confidant, as he was to many. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who benefitted from his wisdom and generosity.
Indiana Sports Corp: It is impossible to convey the impact Jim has had on so many including the Sports Corp. His vision for the sports strategy all those years ago is why any of us are where we are today. We simply would not be the Indianapolis we know and love without the dedication and passion of Jim Morris. To echo Herb Simon's words, "No one loved Indiana and Indianapolis more than Jim."
This is a significant loss, and he will be greatly missed. We ask that you keep Jackie, his entire family, and all of Pacers Sports & Entertainment in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
American Red Cross of Indiana: We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jim Morris, a beloved Life Board Member of the Greater Indianapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross. Jim was a true humanitarian who showed dedication and passion for our mission. His generosity was shown by his support of those affected by disasters both locally and across the country. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and everyone at Pacers & Sports Entertainment during this difficult time.
Extended Bio From PS&E
James T. Morris was vice chairman of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, joining the company in 2007 following a long and distinguished career as a global, national, state, and local leader and statesman. A graduate of Indiana University with a master’s degree from Butler University, Morris was one of the most influential and impactful leaders in state history and helped shape the economic, social, and cultural landscapes of Indianapolis and Indiana over his sixty-year professional career.
Upon graduating from Indiana University, Morris started his career with American Fletcher National Bank in 1965 before serving as chief of staff to Indianapolis Mayor Richard G. Lugar from 1967-73. In 1973, he joined the Lilly Endowment, ultimately becoming its president and holding that position from 1984-88. Beginning in 1989, he spent 13 years as chairman and chief executive officer for IWC Resources Corporation and Indianapolis Water Company.
Morris’ passion for service and love of children took him next to the United Nations World Food Programme, where he served as executive director for the world’s largest humanitarian agency from 2002-2007. In that role, Morris spent time in some of the world’s most impoverished areas, working alongside world leaders to care for the hungry and poor across the globe, particularly children. Additionally, he served as the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the humanitarian crisis in southern Africa during those same years.
Morris also served numerous organizations in a variety of leadership roles, including as a university trustee and board chairman for both Indiana University and Indiana State University. Other significant roles he held include service on the Executive Board of UNICEF, the National Advisory Board for the Boy Scouts of America, the United States Olympic Committee (Treasurer), Riley Children’s Foundation (Chairman Emeritus, the American Red Cross (Board of Governors), Hulman & Company board of directors, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway board of directors, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Indianapolis Power and Light Advisory Board.
Morris’ awards and accolades are too many to count, including 17 honorary doctorates. Two of the most notable are the Sachem Award, given to him by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2021, and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, given to him by United States President Barack Obama in 2016.
RIP Jim.