James "Jay" Morris

Jay Morris, 48, of Lake in the Hills, IL passed away on March 26, 2023. He was born in Melrose Park, Illinois on March 18, 1975, the loving son of Jim and Eulalia Morris.

Jay was a fun-loving man who cared deeply for his family and friends. His door and heart were always open to the people he cared about. Everyone who walked through Jay’s door was met with his infectious smile and a great big hug. His family hopes that everyone in heaven is enjoying his hilarious sense of humor. Having lived in Miami for many years, Jay became an experienced fisherman. He had come a long way from the days of digging up nightcrawlers and heading down to the lake with his fishing pole and bike.

Jay often rented boats off the coast of Florida to entertain friends. His happy place was trying to catch the biggest fish, laughing with friends, and speeding along the Atlantic coast with the fresh ocean air on his face. He loved to give his family and friends the best experience he could. He always wanted everyone to eat good food, have a nice drink, double over in laughter, and be happy. Jay was so full of life that it was impossible not to have a good time with him.

His celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023. The viewing and service will be held at Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care 1415 W. Algonquin Rd., (one half mile east of Randall Rd.) in Algonquin, IL 60102 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. along with Words of Remembrance to be shared at 1:00 p.m. that afternoon with Pastor Joseph Hawley officiating.

There will be a luncheon following the service at Moretti’s, 220 N. Randall Rd. Lake in the Hills, IL 60156 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Arrangements for this day are being handled by the family of this beautiful soul.

He is survived by his kind and sweet mother, Eulalia Morris, his dear siblings, Theresa “Tracie” Strepek and her husband David Strepek, Jayme Kossnar and her husband Jerry Vandall, Jeanie Morris, and Tamara Witbeck. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews – Erin, Jack, Elyziah, Kole, Slade, Ankhara, Miya, Audrey, Armani, and Harlyn. Jay was preceded in death by his loving father, Jim Morris, and his cherished sister, Kimberly Witbeck.

Jay, times got hard for you, but everyone wishes you had stayed longer - to have one more talk, to have one more laugh, to have one more hug. We hope you have found peace in the gentle embrace of the Lord. We will miss you every day!

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a no-kill shelter. Jay was passionate about dogs. He was a foster parent to pit bulls in Chicago and Miami. It was deeply troubling to him that so many animals were abused and abandoned. He had a real soft spot for pit bulls. Here is a no-kill shelter in our area if you would like to make a donation - https://nawsus.org/ 

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by clicking on Tribute Wall.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jay" Morris, please visit our floral store.