James Malachy Morris

James Malachy Morris of Washington, DC died peacefully at home on July 14, 2025. Jim was born on November 6, 1940, to Dorothy (Pope) and Malachy Morris in Brooklyn, NY, where he was raised. He was predeceased by his parents and his younger brother Dennis.

Jim was identified as being an exceptional student at an early age. He graduated from Regis High School in New York in 1958 as the class Valedictorian and won a prestigious Latin scholarship for his studies in Latin and a Knights of Columbus scholarship for his academic performance. He went on to attend Bellarmine College, a Jesuit seminary in Plattsburgh, NY, to pursue a teaching career as a Jesuit priest. He left the seminary but continued on his path towards a teaching career at Fordham University, where he received a B.A. (1964) and M.A. (1965). He went on to Yale University, receiving a M.Phil (1967) and Ph.D (1968), and began teaching as an Assistant Professor in the Classics Department. Jim served as Dean of Jonathan Edwards College from 1970 -1975. In 1975, he accepted an offer to work at The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation in New York City where he served as Program Director for Higher Education. In 1991, Jim moved to Washington, DC to begin work at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Most of his time at the center was focused on its publication, The Wilson Quarterly, ultimately becoming the Deputy Editor/Senior Editor. In addition to his editorial responsibilities, Jim contributed a few of his own articles, which can be found on the internet.

In semi-retirement, Jim worked for the Office of Independent Counsel for two months in 1998 as editorial support for Ken Starr's report on the Clinton/Lewinsky matter. He also served for several years as a writer for the Secretary of Smithsonian Institution. Jim was very active in the governance of his co-op, including serving as the chair of the co-op's board for several years.

While Jim's academic and professional achievements are noteworthy, it was his ability to make friends and establish life-long relationships that set Jim apart. There is no doubt that Jim was exceptionally bright, with a great sense of humor and sharpwit, but he also was very kind, thoughtful, and somewhat adventurous. Jim accepted invitations to cruise the New England coast on Randomar, a 37-foot sloop, and, after each voyage, he always declared it was his last one. He canoed on the Battenkill River in Vermont and was very unhappy when his canoe flipped over, sending the three occupants and their lunch into the chilly water. Over time, as Jim became more selective in the invitations he would accept, the adventures disappeared in favor of dependable weather (sun), nothing more physically taxing than walking, and great conversations.

Jim very much enjoyed living in DC where most activities were within walking distance from his apartment and there always was a limitless supply of subjects for conversation. As he did in his prior locations, Jim developed close relationships through his professional life and his personal life. Jim looked forward to his daily trip to the gym at the Ritz-Carlton where he always could find out what really was going on in DC!

Jim leaves behind many friends and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A memorial service is being planned for Washington, DC at a later date.