MDR James Patrick Morrow, Jr., (J.P.), age 77, of Gulf Breeze, Fl., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 6, 2016.
J.P. was born in Madison on August 22, 1938 to James P. and Ina Gornto Morrow. After graduating from high school, J.P. Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1957 and was an honor graduate from Parris Island.
J.P. served in the Marines from 1957-1960.
He then attended and received a Bachelor of Arts from Valdosta State University in 1963 and entered the flight-training program at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Fl.
Upon completion, he received his commission as an officer in the United States Navy and began piloting E2-A Hawkeyes off aircraft carriers in combat during the Vietnam War. In 1970, J.P. resigned from the United States Navy with a rank of Lieutenant Commander and moved to Birmingham, Al. with his family. He later completed his military career in the Army National Guard. In 1996, J.P. moved back to Pensacola, where he happily spent the rest of his life.
J.P. is survived by his three sons: James Patrick Morrow, III (Michele), of Birmingham, Al.; Louis Moore Morrow (Erin), of Nashville, Tn.; and Matthew Cooper Morrow (Sally), of Memphis, Tn.; as well as seven grandchildren whom he adored: Brooks Julian Morrow, William Moore Morrow, Mary Catherine Morrow, Louis Miles Morrow, Lucy Wren Morrow, James Patrick Morrow, IV and Emma Cooper Morrow. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Ina Thompson, of Madison; Rick Thompson, of Atlanta, Ga.; Brenda Westmoreland Grantham and Jim Westmoreland, both of Tallahassee; Ralph Westmoreland and Frank Westmoreland, both of Dallas, Tx., and Robin Allers, of Baltimore, Ma.
J.P. is preceded in death by his parents, James P. and Ina Gornto Morrow and his sisters: Ina Claire Morrow Allers, Marilyn Westmoreland Mears and Patricia Morrow Thompson.
Funeral services were held at the First United Methodist Church of Madison on Tuesday, July 12 at 1 p.m., with internment following in Oak Ridge Cemetery. A memorial service is also being held at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church today, Wednesday, July 13, with visitation at 12 p.m. followed by a service at 1 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Madison.
Begg's Funeral Home, Madison Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. (850) 973-2258.