Jimmy Ray "J.J." Morris, Jr., 53, died Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at his home.

He was born September 18, 1969, in Cabarrus County, to Jimmy Ray Morris, Sr. and the late Rickie Diane Gant Morris. The family will always remember him as being free spirited, and a gamer. Having been such a free spirit, he had traveled and visited 48 states, his last two trips had to be cancelled, causing him not to be able complete his bucket list of visiting all 50. J.J. was the biggest jokester on the planet, and he would pick and joke with anyone he met. His love for animals could be seen in many of his actions from when would stop on the side of the road to rescue turtles trying to cross to adopting some baby squirrels. J.J. was a true outdoorsman, he was the "Daniel Boone" of the 21st century: from raising hens and roosters, growing a garden every year, to bow hunting, fishing, and making homemade rabbit traps. He truly was a man that could live off the land, everything he caught or grew, he knew how to cook and enjoy eating it. J.J. enjoyed and loved nature, it was his special love for trees in general that led him to choose tree work for a living. He enjoyed some toys of today as well, tractors, aerial drones, and remote control 4 x 4's. J.J. loved classic rock and had always wanted to learn to play an instrument. He was especially close to his nephew.

Survivors include his father, of Concord; siblings, Jeffrey Leroy Morris of China Grove, and Angela Broadway (Alex) of Mocksville; stepbrothers, Chuck Helms (Donna) and Chris Helms (Jean), all of Mt. Pleasant; a nephew, Steven Love of Salisbury; and his canine companion that he loved more than life, Lucy Lue "Lulu."

A time of gathering will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, January 23 at Lambert Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials or food donations to your local animal shelter.

Online condolences www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com