James Morton

James (Jim) Morton, 88, of Bellevue passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024 peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born May 23, 1936 in Monroe, MI the son of William Morton and Arie (Hill) Shackleford.  

Jim grew up in Monroe, Michigan and was a 1955 graduate of Monroe High School.  He married his high school sweetheart Shirley (Navarre) Morton, on June 9, 1956 in Monroe, Michigan. Shirley preceded him in death in 2016. He was employed as an Engineer by the Ford Motor Company in Sandusky and retired after 42 years of employment. During that time, James also attended Bowling Green State University and earned his Associates of Arts degree in 1975. Jim was a proud member of the Bellevue Elks Lodge 1013. He was a devoted fan of the Michigan Wolverines (a longtime season ticket holder, Go Blue!), Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Tigers. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and participating in various leagues over the years across the area. One of his best accomplishments in bowling was getting the perfect game of a 300!  When Jim was not spending time with his family and various leagues, Jim volunteered as an assistant golf coach at Bellevue High School for many years and received the nickname "Gramps" by his players.  Above all, Jim loved his family and supported his grandchildren in all their endeavors. Whether it was sports, musicals, plays, or birthdays, you could always count on Jim being there for his family.  

Jim is survived by his four daughters: Deborah (John) Sura of LaPorte, IN, Lori Orwig of Bellevue, Jacqueline (Charles) Musko of Bellevue, and Kim (Jim) Consolo of Bellevue; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and sister, Helen Baggett of Monroe.

In addition to his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his stepfather, Lester Shackleford; sister, Donna Long; infant brother, Henry Morton; grandson, Zachary Orwig; son-in-law, Robert Orwig; and brother-in-law, Larry Baggett.

A funeral Mass will begin on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 231 E. Center Street, Bellevue.  Burial will follow at Bellevue Catholic Cemetery.  Foos & Foos Funeral Service, Bellevue is assisting with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Stein Hospice.