Obituary of James Edward Morton, Jr.

James Edward Morton, Jr., affectionately known as “Buddy”, was born September 11, 1937 to the union of James Edward Morton, Sr. and Indiana Morton Fairfax in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.

Buddy received his formal education in the Coatesville Area Public School System. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served for 22 years and retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 1976. After retiring from the United States Navy and working a number of jobs, including serving on the police force, Buddy settled into his passion as a self-employed construction contractor. Buddy was most noted for his love of horses, family, being a stern disciplinarian and traveling. The United States Navy allowed for him to experience the world and share it through his tales.

James Edward Morton, Jr. departed this life on Saturday morning, January 12, 2019. He was preceded in death by his father, James Edward Morton, Sr., mother, Indiana Morton Fairfax and sister, Elizabeth Johnson.

James Edward Morton, Jr. leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Mary Ann Middleton Morton of Portsmouth, VA; 10 children,  Damita Jo Jackson of Oxon Hill, MD, Vanessa Solen of Philadelphia, PA, Sherrell Elaine Morton of Baltimore, MD, Gerri Drain of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Dana Morton Sheppard of Charleston, SC, Sergeants Major Theresa D. Morton of Wilmington, DE, Gaynell Scott (Shawn)  of Goose Creek, SC, Dr. Elizabeth Morton Bell of Fort Washington, MD, James E. Morton, III (Pamela) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Paulette Morton Townsend (Robert) of Portsmouth, VA; 10 siblings, Marie Joe (John) of Coatesville, PA, Laura Morton of Philadelphia, PA, Elder Grace Morton of Jamaica, NY, Barbara A. Jones of Capital Heights, MD, Alfreda Jones of Upper Marlboro, MD, Ida Alexander of Coatesville, PA, Jesse G. Morton (Sharon) of St. Louis, MO, William M. Morton (Phyllis) of 29 Palms, CA, Arthur C. Morton (Barbara) of Philadelphia, PA,  and David C. Morton (Linda) of Asbury Park, NJ; one great aunt, Grace Thompson of Coatesville, PA, fourteen grand-children; six great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.