James McMorries died April 9‚ 2006‚ in Amarillo‚ Texas‚ from injuries he suffered when his fire truck rolled down a ravine while fighting the March 12th fires in Donley County. The fire burned over a million acres-lives‚ homes‚ and livestock perished. An incident of this magnitude strained the resources of small volunteer fire departments.
On March 12‚ 2006‚ our children and grandchildren were visiting. James would never go anywhere when they were here‚ but when he received the call of the fire‚ he grabbed his hat and said‚ ‘There’s a fire. They need me‚’ and ran out the door. It was the last time we saw him so full of life. When it came time to help‚ James W. McMorries‚ Jr. could never say no.
James lived his life helping others. When we lived in Amarillo‚ before moving to Howardwick‚ he would mow all of the little widow women’s yards‚ expecting nothing in return‚ just a smile on their faces. James bought prescriptions for older people who could not afford them.
James was a Certified Real Estate Appraiser for 36 years and had his own business. He was a member of the National Association of Fee Appraisers‚ Amarillo Association of Realtors‚ Khiva Shriners‚ a Master Mason‚ member of the Clarendon Country Club‚ a member of the Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department‚ and a former member of the Civil Air Patrol in Search and Rescue. He was a pilot‚ farmed‚ ranched‚ and was a devout Christian man‚ reading his Bible every day.
James was credited with helping to reinvigorate the Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department‚ which was down to just a handful of members and incapable of defending its own community. A lot of younger guys didn’t know how to drive the older trucks‚ and James did. James also donated tires for the fire trucks and radios for the department and did mechanical work on the fire trucks.
James had decided to run for Mayor of Howardwick. His name was already on the ballot‚ and after his death he still won by a landslide‚ so an interim mayor was appointed to take his place. He was liked by everyone who knew him. James had an infectious laugh and never met a stranger.
James was my soul mate‚ my everything. We did everything together‚ so many projects and goals. My life was whole and complete with him by my side. I feel God and James watching over me‚ helping me make the right decisions.
James is now with his Lord‚ with a new body that is no longer broken. Many wonderful things have come about since James’s death. After his death‚ I joined the Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department. We have a new truck‚ and my goal in life is to continue helping others. I want James W. McMorries‚ Jr. to be as proud of his wife as I was of him.
Tanis, Our thoughts and prayers are never ending for you. Our love and comfort surround you. Although we miss James, you truly stand tall and fill his boots with honor and dedication. He would be so very proud of you and so are we. We love you, Jeff & Lee Ann Cook
– Lee Ann CookTanis,Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. We just want you to know how proud we are of you and we know that James is very proud of you as you strive to carry on. We miss him so much.We love you,Ellis & Dianna Knight
– Ellis & Dianna KnightTanis, We just want to take this time to tell you that our thoughts and prayers are with you always. We are so proud of you and know that James is proud of you also.We love you,Ellis & Dianna Knight
– Dianna KnightWE FIGHT FIRES TOGETHER AS BROTHERS SO WE BECOME FAMILY. WHEN WE LOSE A MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY, WE’RE NEVER THE SAME, BUT WE KEEP UP THE FIGHT. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT THE REST OF OUR “FAMILY”.
– BILLY HOLMAN 3RD ASST. CHIEF C.V.F.D.COURAGE…HONOR…DEVOTION. THESE ARE ALL WORDS WE USE WHEN TALKING ABOUT JAMES AND TANIS. THANK YOU BOTH FOR THE SACRIFICE THAT SHOWS US WHO WE SHOULD STRIVE TO BE. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. LOVE YA!
– CHANDRA HOLMANHaving only known James a short time, it was evident that he embodied the spirit of the fire service in every way. His ultimate sacrifice and dedication to his department and the fire service shall never be forgotten. Tanis, I have truly grown to respect and admire your continued involvement and cherish your friendship. I was proud to have served with James, and likewise am proud to be serving with you. God Bless you, your family, and the Howardwick VFD.
– Patrick Robertson, Captain - Clarendon VFDJames McMorries lay on the ground fighting for his life the first time I saw him. Rescuers were performing CPR and working deligently to save his life. After he was life flighted from the scene, I was told of his many accomplishments and his since of duty. His life was an inspiration to me and his death has brought me great sadness. He can be proud of you Tanis for your continuing in his spirit of giving and serving. I am proud to know you and to know how James served his community setting an example for all of us to follow. His footprints are large and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing him with all of us in Donley County.
– Pat ArchuletaI am proud to have known James and to have been a neighbor of his. We visited many times as I was on the city council and we worked together. Thanks James for all the help. I pray for your family daily…Buster
– H.L. Buster BairdWe knew James almost 30 years and he was counted as a dear friend. He was a big man, not only in stature, but in heart. When we found out you and James had moved out to Howardwick, we visited some and he told us that he had found you, his “perfect soul mate” and we believe he was right. We had some good times together playing cards and later found out he didn’t like to play cards. He only did it to get us together. We are so proud of you for carrying on his dreams and we know he is watching over you everyday. May God bless and keep you. Good friends forever
– Pat & Carolyn ButlerTanis, You are in our thoughts and prayers always. You are an inspiration to all of us. I will never forget the fire meeting before the accident. James and I were laughing and acting up together during the meeting. He was so full of life. Thank you for all you do, your friendship, your love and dedication to each of us and our department. James is so very proud of you and we are too. We love you, Walt & Karen Rice
– Walt & Karen RiceTanis, You are a wonderful LADY that I’m so happy to have gotten to know. Just another wonderful thing your husband has done. You were blessed with his presence and now that all the ceremonies and memorials are done, may you finally find the closure you need. We’re not only neighbors, but a small part of a huge brotherhood. WE ARE FIREFIGHTERS. You can call me even if there’s not a fire. I’m always close by. Love you girlfriend.
– MelodyRIP
– Terry Barnes