James Morrison

James Patrick Morrison, born in Chicago, February 8th 1942, passed the night of October 13th, 2021 in his home while with his family in College Station, Texas. An accomplished Ph.D. astrophysicist, James was involved with numerous JPL/NASA projects, including work with the Galileo space probe, various space vehicles, X-ray astronomy, and leading edge ultra-low noise imaging technology. James designed, tested, and patented a fetal oxygen saturation probe that allows for the significant reduction of complications during birth that lead to Cerebral Palsy. James’ passion was teaching physics and providing world class demonstrations, which he performed at various institutions including IMSA, Elmhurst College, McHenry County College, and the College of Lake County, among others. James’ greatest and most treasured achievements are his children and his 39 year marriage to Helen Urban Morrison. James’ love for his family was unconditional and he cherished spending time with them above all else. This includes the construction of a custom 40 feet tall playset, presence at all school and extracurricular events, judgment-free support through all phases of family members’ lives, and the best hugs that have ever been given. James is survived by his children: Karolyn, Kathy, Karen, Rebecca, Elizabeth Laird Miller, James, Christopher, and Matthew; his wife, Helen; and Molly, his great dane. It is impossible to sum up his love, his life, and who he was with mere sentences. He will forever be loved, and deeply missed