JAMES HOWARD MORSE SR.

MIDDLEBURY — It is with heavy hearts that the family of James Howard “Jim” Morse Sr. reports his passing on Nov. 9, 2023, at his home in Middlebury after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 83 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Adeline “Dolly” Morse; his children, Leslie Morse-Jones, James H. Morse Jr., Beth M. Morse, and Paul J. Morse; grandchildren Amanda (Adelie) Marnik, her husband Michael Marnik, Rachael Woodham, Danielle Morse, Shannon Morse, Kaitlyn Morse, and Blaine Morse; five great-grandchildren; and his brothers, Louis F. Morse of Hampden, Mass., Wayne “Happy” Morse of Montgomery, Mass.; and Oren R. Morse of Jacksonville, Fla.

He was born June 16, 1940, in Westfield, Mass., to Leslie J. Morse and Mildred (Smith) Morse Stockwell. In 1957 he met the love of his life, Adeline “Dolly” Morse. They were married on Aug. 24, 1959. He received his GED while serving in the Army.

While serving in the Army he spent 13 months in Korea and was stationed in Tacoma, Wash. After an honorable discharge he and Dolly returned to Massachusetts, then moved to Vermont in 1982 to pursue his love of farming.

He was a true Jack of All Trades, working from a florist to a machinist to a farmer. A skilled carpenter, plumber, and electrician. There was nothing he wasn’t afraid to tear apart and fix — always willing to give a helping hand. While going through chemo he saw on FPF that someone needed help adjusting the size of their cabinet doors. Though ill from the treatments he willingly helped a women with her project.

A member of the Grange for over 50 years (most recently of Bridport Grange), he was a true friend to the community, embracing the Grange’s motto, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” He volunteered at a non-profit summer camp run by the Vermont State Grange, caring for the property. He truly believed that all children deserved to go to camp.

He was probably best known for being the timekeeper for the Addison County Legislative Breakfasts that are held on Mondays from February to April. Jim not only did that for the program but also organized the schedule, contacted organizations to host the events and set up the sound system. He wanted to ensure that our legislators knew what the people they represented truly thought and felt about the bills being proposed.

One of his regrets is not being able to see the Bridport Grange Building in Bridport, Vt., restored.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Bridport Grange 303 and sent to his daughter Beth Morse (92 Happy Valley Rd, Middlebury, Vt. 05753), for the building fund.

A celebration of his life will be held on Dec. 3 at the Middlebury American Legion from noon to 4 p.m.

The Family would like to thank Dr. Alexander Fuld, D.O., and his team at Dartmouth Hitchcock Cancer Center; Kim Kurak and team from Brandon Community Health; and the Addison County Home Health & Hospice for their compassionate care through this long process.

Arrangements under the direction of Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home.

Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com ◊