James Lovell Morgan's Obituary
James Lovell Morgan was born on July 7, 1931, in Bartow, Florida, and passed away on January 7, 2026, in Okeechobee, Florida. He graduated from Plant City High School and spent most of his life on the family homestead in Lakeland. He shared 60 years of marriage with his wife, Mary Nell “Missy” Morgan, until her passing in 2010.
He was a man who loved his family and the land with equal devotion. While his career on the railroad provided for his family, farming was his true calling — raising cattle, growing sugarcane, and tending blueberries, blackberries, and citrus, always focused on stewardship and the patient work of helping things grow. He believed in learning by doing, and some of his favorite moments were spent teaching children and grandchildren how to drive a tractor, care for animals, or protect tender plants from a sudden cold snap with whatever ingenuity the moment required.
Family gatherings, especially the annual cane grindings, were deeply important to him — not just the work, but the togetherness. Friends, relatives, and neighbors were always welcome, and he took special care to look after older family members, checking in, lending help, and bringing the boys along so they could learn the value of showing up for others.
He was known for his stories and gentle teasing — never telling jokes so much as recounting memories with a familiar, “Well, I remember….” He had a sharp eye, a strong sense of place, and an uncanny ability to notice what others missed. Honest and unfiltered, loyal to a fault, he gave generously of his time, trust, and heart, often helping people when no one else would.
His faith ran deep and quiet. “Amazing Grace” brought him to tears every time, and old hymns filled the home. Even as illness took hold, his love for his wife never wavered.
Above all, he will be remembered as a good man — faithful, hardworking, deeply kind, and devoted to his family, his land, and the people entrusted to his care.
He is survived by his daughters-in-law, Gail (James C.) and Christine (Ashley L.); seven grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Nell “Missy” Morgan; his sons James Clark Morgan, Ashley L. Morgan Sr., and John “JB” Collins.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Tyrone Earle and Deana Stark for the compassionate care and support they provided during James’s later years.
A memorial service will be held at Springhead Cemetery in Plant City on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
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