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Pacers, civic leader Jim Morris dies: ‘No one loved Indiana & Indianapolis more than Jim’

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Pacers, civic leader Jim Morris dies: ‘No one loved Indiana & Indianapolis more than Jim’

INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Morris, a decorated Indiana and Butler alumnus, longtime civil and local business leader and vice chair of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, has died at the age of 81 according to a release Saturday morning from the Indiana Pacers. Over the the past six decades, Morris helped reshape the civil and sports landscape in central Indiana.

“There are no words that would do justice to how consequential Jim’s life truly was,” read a statement attributed to Pacers owner Herb Simon, the Simon family and Pacers Sports and Entertainment. “To his very last day, he was hard at work bringing people together to help those most in need and make our city and our state stronger, more civil, and more united. No one loved Indiana and Indianapolis more than Jim. To us, though, Jim was family, a lifelong friend, a mentor, and the ultimate fan. He was a constant presence in Gainbridge Fieldhouse and an endless source of optimism on the future of his beloved Pacers, Fever and Indiana University. Jim will be sorely missed by all of us, and we will keep him and his family in our prayers now and always.”

Morris grew up in Terre Haute and graduated from IU in the mid-60s, beginning his career at American Fletcher National Bank. He became chief of staff for then-Indianapolis mayor Richard Lugar in 1967 and stayed in that position through 1973. During that period, he helped to create Unigov and IUPUI. He also helped develop Market Square Arena which opened its doors in 1974.

“Last night, Indianapolis lost a true giant with the passing of my dear friend Jim Morris,” Mayor Jim Hogsett said in a statement. “Jim’s outsized impact on Indianapolis and our state will be felt for decades to come. He helped to establish the Indiana Sports Corp, shaping the sports strategy that laid the foundation for our recent record-breaking successes as a host city. He raised funds for pivotal projects like the Indianapolis Zoo and the Hoosier Dome. His leadership at Pacers Sports & Entertainment only solidified his place as a pillar of our community. And his dedication to humanitarian efforts extended his impact further to communities across the globe. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jims wife Jackie and the entire Morris family as well as to everyone at Pacers Sports & Entertainment. May we honor Jim’s legacy by striving to lead our lives like he did, with compassion, humanity and the spirit of service in everything we do.”

Morris moved on from Lugar’s office to the Lilly Endowment in 1973, rising to the level of president in 1984 and holding that position until 1988. During that period, he earmarked $25 million for the construction of the Hoosier Dome and also raised funds for the construction of the Indianapolis Zoo.

From there he became the chair of the Indianapolis Water Company from 1989 through 2002 and then the executive director of the World Food Programme from 2002-2007 and was also the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the humanitarian crisis in South Africa during that period. He returned to Indianapolis in 2007 to join Pacers Sports and Entertainment as vice chairman.

Morris served as a university trustee for Indiana University and Indiana State University. He also served on the executive boards of UNICEF, the National Advisory Board for the Boy Scouts of America, the United States Olympic Committee, Riley Children’s Foundation, the American Red Cross, Hulman & Company board of directors, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway board of directors, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Indianapolis Power and Light Advisory Board.

Morris holds 17 honorary doctorate degrees. He was awarded the Sachem Award by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in 2021 and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award President Barack Obama in 2016.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement.

“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 cared deeply about the Pacers and Fever and their role in inspiring and connecting people.  And there was nobody better at bringing people together than Jim, who would often host gatherings of community, business and political leaders prior to Pacers games that were uplifting and unforgettable.

“On behalf of the entire NBA family, we send our deepest condolences to Jim’s wife, Jackie, and their family; Herb Simon and his family; and all of Jim’s many friends and colleagues at Pacers Sports & Entertainment.”

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