Radio legend Johnnie Morris was a radio and news pioneer
John J. “Johnnie” Morris enjoyed talk radio but the local communications pioneer enjoyed a life of getting things done. Talk represented a cheap commodity as Morris lived life as a man of action.
Morris, 91, passed away Sept. 28, leaving a legacy of success in every aspect of his life.
“John Morris was a pioneer in radio and business but more importantly he lived a life as a true servant to the Trenton-area community,” former Trenton Mayor Douglas Palmer said.
“He was one of the business people who got it. He wasn’t only interested in making money, he was interested in making a difference.”
Morris made his professional mark in business and radio although that career had origination as a member of the U.S. Army where he joined the Armed Forces Network in Heidelberg, Germany. Morris covered special events and campaigns throughout Europe for seven years.
The young Morris chased his teenage dream of radio broadcasting with an interview list that included Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson, King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan, Bob Hope, Judy Garland and Elvis Presley.
In 1964, Morris joined WHWH 1350 AM in Princeton as a sales manager. He played a key role in growing sales, launching WPST 97.5 FM and developing the operation into Nassau Broadcasting Company, and eventually became its president.
In 1993, he founded Morris Broadcasting Company of New Jersey, Inc., and acquired the gospel station WIMG 1300 AM with his wife, the late Louise Easton Morris, and his children, Michael and Maggie.
Morris owned a love for communication that extended beyond radio as a close connection with metropolitan Trenton politics, society, business and charities.
Morris never declined requests for supporting local causes. A 1988 article which announced Morris’ new post as chairman of the Mercer County Unit of the American Cancer Society included an impressive list of his other philanthropic interests.
The article read, “in addition to his new position, Morris is also chairman and founder of the Family Food Fund, which raised money to feed the needy in the Delaware Valley area; chairman of the board of directors of the Yardville Supply Company; past president and board member of the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce; board chairman of Hamilton Hospital Foundation; honorary president and cofounder of the Armed Forces Broadcasters Association and serves as a member and advisor for seven educational institutions.
Morris served on the boards of Catholic Charities - Diocese of Trenton, RWJ University Hospital of Hamilton, Rider University, Trenton Kiwanis Club and Hamilton YMCA.
Jim Fitzsimmons, one of the best-ever newspaper guys as a former Trentonian business writer, penned these words about Morris before he accepted the 1985 George Washington Council of the Boy Scouts of America “Minute Man” award.
“Morris was described as a no-nonsense, grass roots guy who doesn’t merely come to an organization as a joiner- he comes to be a doer.”
Johnnie Morris never minced words, a fantastic trait for a man destined to accomplish as much with his allotted time. Palmer said Morris had his ear.
“If Johnnie Morris was talking then I was listening. He always gave me good advice. His WIMG radio station was like home, not just for me but for many others. The impact he made in this area will never be forgotten,” Palmer said.
In addition to Michael and Maggie, Morris is survived by two additional children, Melissa and Matthew, and four grandchildren. He was a resident of Hamilton Township.
Calling hours for family and friends will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 14 at the Church of the Assumption, 28 Monmouth Road (County Route 537) in Wrightstown, NJ.
A live gospel music tribute will begin at 10:30 a.m. and a Mass of the Resurrection will begin at 11 a.m. Internment will be private.
Family and friends are invited send condolences to the Morris family by signing the online guest book at tilghmanfh.com.
The Morris legacy continued even into death as the communications trailblazer left one final request to support area residents.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 872, Trenton, NJ 08605; or online trentonsoupkitchen.org “In Memory of Johnny Morris”.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Reach him at laparker@trentonian.com. Follow him on Twitter@laparker6.