James Morris

James Robert Moross entered into heaven September 26, 2023, at home in Modesto, Calif. with his family by his side. Born April 3, 1938, to Clarence and Margaret (McKenzie) Moross in Murdo, S.D. His parents and siblings Becky, Roberta, LaVern, and Billy preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Erlene Moross, children Charlene (Jeff) Todd, Jay (Sherissa) Moross, Susan (Mike) McCormack, his grandchildren Jeremy, Greggory, Samantha, Sydney, and Jordan and great grandchildren Bryson and Isla.

Jim spent the first 27 years of his life in South Dakota. He loved hunting, football, and basketball as a youth. During his teen years, he developed an interest in boxing. In the spring of 1956, he became the state’s amateur heavyweight champion. After graduating from Murdo High School in 1956, Jim enrolled at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1957. While in the Air Force, he continued his passion for boxing stationed in Morocco. He participated in military boxing tournaments in Morocco, Spain, Italy, and France earning himself the Air Force’s 16th Division heavyweight champion from 1959-60. During his military commitment, he discovered billiards and honed his skill when he was not boxing or fulfilling his duty to the Air Force. Upon his honorable discharge in 1960, he returned to South Dakota. Once home, he worked various agricultural jobs, married his wife on July 9, 1961, and moved to Philip, SD. Jim resumed boxing and reclaimed the state heavyweight title in 1962. Shortly afterwards, he moved to the Black Hills and started mining gold at the Homestead Mining Company. By 1965, Jim and Erlene had three children. Friends had moved to California and enticed Jim and Erlene to move their young family to California.

From 1966 to 1975, he lived in Lodi, Calif. He worked for General Mills as a warehouseman and forklift driver. He earned an accounting degree from Humphrey’s College in Stockton. With a degree in hand, he was able to move to General Mill’s accounting department where he remained until transferring to a sales position within General Mills in 1975 located in Modesto. He quit his sales job a couple of years later and became a Teamster truck driver. He remained a union driver for the remainder of his working career at various companies. He continued to reside in Modesto until his death. Golf, bowling, and billiards became his hobbies when he moved to California. Jim spent his spare time on the golf courses within the region. He was particularly fond of playing at Carver 3-Par during the 1970s-80s where he developed many friendships. Jim participated in the following organizations during his residency in Modesto, Elks Lodge, Sportsman of Stanislaus, Modesto Quality Travelers, Dryden Golf Men’s Club, and Manteca Golf Men’s Club.

Jim was a devoted man to his family and friends. Jim lived by honesty and loyalty to others with humor sprinkled throughout his life. Life lessons he imparted to his children. He was never one to pass up the opportunity to pull a joke on loved ones and friends. One he never lived down with his wife was taking her out for a romantic dinner on a boat. The boat was located within a McDonalds. His grandchildren saw a loving, patient man willing to make their lives happy. The twinkle in his eye and slight grin gave away the happiness he felt seeing his actions bringing joy to others.

Funeral arrangements provided by Franklin & Downs-McHenry location.

Visitation was October 12, 2023  at Franklin & Downs

Burial was private.