BREAKING NEWS: Tewksbury is in mourning following the passing of retired Fire Chief James J. Morris, who died peacefully at home on November 12, 2025, at the age of 97. Surrounded by his loving family, Morris leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service to the community he cherished.
Morris, a lifelong resident of Tewksbury, was born on June 28, 1928, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War before transitioning to a remarkable career with the Tewksbury Fire Department, where he worked for 38 years and retired as Fire Chief in 1988. His commitment to protecting his town was evident in every aspect of his life.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Constance R. (Nolan) Morris, with whom he shared an incredible 73 years of marriage. Their family includes four children: Deborah J. Goodwin from Merrimack, NH, James W. Morris from Dunstable, and Constance R. Morris from Tewksbury, as well as the late Frederick R. Morris. Morris was also a proud grandfather of eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
The community is invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, located at 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Route 38, Tewksbury. His final resting place will be at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury.
Morris’s passing is a profound loss not only for his family but also for the entire Tewksbury community, where he was known for his unwavering spirit and dedication. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Salvation Army at www.SalvationArmyMA.org/Lowell.
As the community reflects on his impactful life, many will remember Morris not just as a firefighter, but as a devoted husband, father, and friend who shaped the hearts of those around him.
