INDIANAPOLIS — The Pacers and owner Herb Simon are sharing statements after the passing of Jim Morris, vice chairman of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. He was 81 years old.
James T. Morris, known as Jim, joined the company in 2007. He previously studied at Indiana University and Butler University.
The Pacers wrote that Morris was one of the "most influential and impactful leaders in state history."
Here is the Pacers' full statement:
“There are no words that would do justice to how consequential Jim’s life truly was. 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 also served numerous organizations in a variety of leadership roles, including as a university trustee and board chairman for both Indiana University and Indiana State University. Other significant roles he held include service on the Executive Board of UNICEF, the National Advisory Board for the Boy Scouts of America, the United States Olympic Committee (Treasurer), Riley Children’s Foundation (Chairman Emeritus, the American Red Cross (Board of Governors), Hulman & Company board of directors, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway board of directors, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Indianapolis Power and Light Advisory Board.
Morris earned several awards during his time with the Pacers. His two most notable are the Sachem Award from Governor Eric Holcomb in 2021 and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from previous President Barack Obama in 2016.
AES Indiana is honoring his legacy by putting up a special lights display on its building on Monument Circle tonight.