The city in Indiana has lost a true legend and a humble leader. Jim Morris, Vice Chairman of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, sadly passed away at the age of 81. A renowned community leader, Morris joined the Pacers organization in 2007 after dedicating years to serving multiple programs that marked his stature as an influential personality in Indiana.

The Indiana Pacers and Fever organizations released a statement expressing their profound heartbreak over Morris’s passing. He was not just a pivotal figure for the NBA franchise but also a cherished part of the Indianapolis community. Morris also served as a confidante to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. In a recent statement, Silver expressed his deep admiration for Morris’s work and his impactful life.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my beloved friend Jim Morris. Jim was Indiana royalty. He devoted much of his life to serving his community and took great pride in seeing Indianapolis develop into a world-class destination. He also deeply cared about the Pacer and Fever and their role in inspiring and connecting people. And there was nobody better than bringing people together than Jim… On behalf of the entire NBA family, we send our deepest condolences to Jim’s wife Jackie, and their family, Heb Simon and his family, and all of Jim’s many friends and colleagues at Pacers Sports and Entertainments,” Adam Silver wrote.

Jim Morris was an inspiring individual who played an indelible part in the evolution of Indiana while also striving to assist in global issues. His presence will be missed, but the renowned leader will never be forgotten.

Fans join Adam Silver in celebrating Jim Morris

Jim Morris was a lot more than a vice chairman of Pacers Sports and Entertainment. He was a reputed leader who had garnered tremendous respect through his tremendous efforts in reshaping the history and culture of Indiana. His death affected many. “Rest in Peace to a good man. Prayers and Condolences to his family” an X user wrote.

Morris graduated from Indiana University and dedicated his life to the betterment of not just the city but also the world. He was a gentleman who embarked on a mission to leave the world a better place than yesterday. For five years from 2002, he served as the executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme that helped aid world hunger.

Morris was a beacon for many. His selflessness saw him serve as a global, national, and state leader for more than 60 years. “Devastating news. Jim Morris’ vision and heart shaped our capital city, our state and our world in so many ways. His life is an example for us all to follow and emulate. Knowing him was a blessing,” popular columnist Pete Seat said while paying his respect to Morris.

Jim Morris fully personified the Indiana spirit. He was an optimistic individual who thrived on bringing people together. Among his many leadership roles was being a board member and university trustee for both Indiana University and Indiana State University.

His life was an example to everyone who got an opportunity to cross paths with him. Jim Morris was a pure-hearted individual who received various acclaim for his excellent work. “Jim Morris was a great man and gave so much to Indianapolis to make it the city it is now,” a fan said in regards to his impact.

But it wasn’t just Indiana he influenced. Jim Morris was a global social force during his sixty years of service. Over his career, he received 17 honorary doctorates. In 2016 he received one of the highest honors a community leader could get when former POTUS Barack Obama awarded him with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jim Morris drove the Indiana community and the world to be a better place. His footmarks will remain a key part that fuels the leaders that follow him.