Pacers, civic leader Jim Morris dies: 'No one loved Indiana & Indianapolis more than Jim'
Dustin DopirakINDIANAPOLIS — Jim Morris, a decorated Indiana and Butler alumnus, longtime civil and local business leader and vice chair of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, died at the age of 81 according to a release sent Saturday from the Indiana Pacers. Over the the past six decades, Morris helped reshape the civil and sports landscape in central Indiana.
“There are no words that would do justice to how consequential Jim’s life truly was," read a statement attributed to Pacers owner Herb Simon, the Simon family and Pacers Sports and Entertainment. "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.”
Morris grew up in Terre Haute and graduated from IU in 1965, beginning his career at American Fletcher National Bank. He became chief of staff for then-Indianapolis mayor Richard Lugar in 1967 and stayed in that position through 1973. During that period, he helped to create Unigov and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, which has since divided into two different schools. He also helped develop Market Square Arena which opened its doors in 1974.
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"Last night, Indianapolis lost a true giant with the passing of my dear friend Jim Morris," Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a statement. "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."
Morris moved on from Lugar's office to the Lilly Endowment in 1973, rising to the level of president in 1984 and holding that position until 1988. During that period, he earmarked $25 million for the construction of the Hoosier Dome and also raised funds for the construction of the Indianapolis Zoo.
From there he became the chair of the Indianapolis Water Co. from 1989 through 2002 and then the executive director of the World Food Programme from 2002-2007 and was also the United Nations Secretary General's Special Envoy for the humanitarian crisis in South Africa during that period. He returned to Indianapolis in 2007 to join Pacers Sports and Entertainment. He rose to the position of president and has been vice chair since 2014.
"Indiana lost a favorite son and true servant leader," governor Eric Holcomb said in a statement. "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, every day, and are praying for Jackie and the Morris family during this challenging time."
Morris served as a university trustee for Indiana University and Indiana State University and twice served as chairman of the IU Board of Trustees. He also served on the executive boards of UNICEF, the National Advisory Board for the Boy Scouts of America, the United States Olympic Committee, Riley Children’s Foundation, the American Red Cross, Hulman & Company board of directors, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway board of directors, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Indianapolis Power and Light Advisory Board.
Morris was awarded 17 honorary doctorate degrees. He was awarded the Sachem Award by Holcomb in 2021 and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award President Barack Obama in 2016.
"Jim Morris was a quintessential Hoosier," Indiana University president Pam Whitten said in a statement. "Few have given so much to our university, our state and our world. Jim's deep love for Indiana University was known far and wide and he leaves an incomparable legacy as an IU student, parent, benefactor, board chair, and trustee of nearly two decades." He received countless accolades over his many years of service, and his impact on Indiana University is immeasurable. I consider myself so fortunate to have received the unprecedented support and mentoring that accompanied a deep friendship with Jim Morris."
Quinn Buckner, current chairman of the IU board of trustees, former IU and NBA point guard and current Pacers TV color analyst also issued a statement.
“On behalf of the Indiana University Board of Trustees, we remember today the towering legacy of Jim Morris," Buckner said. "Through his longtime board leadership, endless generosity, and love for his alma mater, Jim made a tremendous impact on the IU 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.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement.
“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.”
Former Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard called Morris “perhaps the most important person in Indiana during the past fifty years. The kindest, most selfless man."