James Morrissey

James Davis Morrissey, 89, of Godfrey, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 2, 2026, at South Prairie Memory Care in Bethalto, Illinois.

Jim was the son of James Morrissey and Violette Regnier. Raised by his mother, Violette, he spent much of his childhood in Chicago, Illinois, and many years on a farm in Lowell, Indiana, living with Emarine and Earl Little. His mother, sisters, and the Littles all played important roles in his upbringing, serving as wonderful role models and helping instill in him the importance of hard work, responsibility, and dedication to family - values that he carried with him throughout his life. 

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1959 as a radioman aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt and continued his service in the Naval Reserve through 1961.

Following his active service, Jim met and married Barbara Mary Mechalek, beginning a marriage that would span 60 years living most of those years in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. Together, they raised three children and built a beautiful life. While working and raising their family, Jim earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Business Management from Loyola University in Chicago and went on to retire from Wang Laboratories, Inc.

Jim and Barbara treasured time with their family, attending their children’s school activities and sporting events and enjoying family camping trips. In retirement, a Kentucky Lake golf course became home and they enjoyed golfing, traveling the country in their RV, and making trips to cheer on their grandchildren.

Following Barbara’s passing, Jim began a new chapter of his life with Helen Crause Morrissey (Burger). They married with a beautiful backyard wedding and recently celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary! Jim and Helen enjoyed going to the movies, hosting dinners merging both families, watching sports, and taking trips together - with a family trip to London becoming an especially treasured memory - but they also found contentment in the simple pleasure of sitting side by side, sharing the quiet beauty of each other’s presence. Helen remained faithfully by Jim’s side as he faced the challenges of his more recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Known for his sharp wit, wonderful sense of humor, and perfectly timed one-liners, Jim had a special way of making those around him laugh including those in the grocery aisle as he juggled cans of beans as he shopped. He loved music, even learning to play the harmonica (a little), but Carole King was his favorite. His children still remember her music playing throughout the house when they were growing up, creating a soundtrack to many of their childhood memories. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Chicago Bears, Notre Dame football, the Chicago Bulls, and University of Kentucky and University of Illinois basketball, so perhaps his wonderful sense of humor was also a survival skill.

Those who loved him will remember Jim for his humor, the importance he placed on showing up for the people he loved, and the lessons he taught simply by the way he lived his life.

Jim is survived by his wife, Helen; his three children, Catherine Hentrich (John), Kenneth Morrissey (Jamie), and Trese Williams (Corey); eight grandchildren, Claire Weiss (Torey), Meredith Beck (Adam), Ryan Riccardi, Connor Wright (Sarah), Tyler Morrissey, Meaghan Morrissey, Brooklyn Morrissey, and Hailey Morrissey; and three great-grandchildren, Jackson Beck, Carson Wright, and Conall Weiss.

He is also survived by Helen’s children, Lisa Crause and Jim Crause (Sarah), and her grandchildren, Charlotte Crause and Mason Crause - a family that became very special to him.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara Mary (Mechalek) Morrissey; his parents, Violette Regnier and James Morrissey; his sisters, Jacqueline, Loretta, and Nona; and his beloved grandson, Garrett Kenneth Wright.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home, 1313 W. Delmar Avenue, Godfrey, Illinois.

A committal service with full military honors will be held privately at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.