With heavy hearts, deep with sadness, the family of Mr. John Caleb "John C" Morris, Jr. announces the very sudden, unexpected, and medically tragic preventable death of John on January 12, 2026. John died peacefully with family close at hand.

John was born on August 23, 1939 to Elnora and John C. Morris. John grew up spending his formative years in Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from Eastern High School. In 1956 John joined the United States Air Force where he completed four years of military service. While in the Air Force, John served in the position of "Gunner" and also quickly achieved outstanding recognition in electronics. John finished his Air Force military tour of duty in Norfolk, England with an honorable discharge. After discharge from military service, John returned to Lansing where he continued and completed studies graduating from Jackson College, Lansing Community College and Michigan State University, gaining electrical and business knowledge. John became a Master Electrician whereby he then dedicated his professional life to his true calling: electronics and electrical work.

Among John's many accolades, in 1979 John established ownership of AA Electrical Contracting. John was the first minority electrical business in the State of Michigan. In 1988, as owner and President of AA Electric, John was recognized and named as one of the State of Michigan's top vendors and as the State of Michigan's top minority firm of the year by the Michigan Department of Commerce Minority Business Enterprise Division. John was also featured on the cover of a Michigan business magazine publication that recognized accomplished businessmen. AA Electric serviced Michigan State University, state government and the private sector.

John possessed an unwavering commitment for excellence in all his endeavors. He loved sports: boxing, football and especially chess. John spent many hours playing chess, and was recognized and acknowledged as an exceptional and accomplished player. Those who knew John knew him as someone with outstanding intelligence, easy going spirit, compassionate, willingness to forgive and rarely ever complained. John really loved children, all children.

John is survived by and will be deeply and lovingly missed by: his wife, Mattie of 52 years; children, Lisa M. Callahan (Michigan), Tasha "Too Shu" Morris/McDaniel (Florida), Caleb Morris (Michigan); grandchildren, Nikita Ethington, DeOndra' (Amanda) Callahan (Michigan), DeShawn and DeZmond (Florida); great-grandchildren, Nylah Cannon, Landen Ethington...that lovingly called him "Poppie." 

Siblings, sister Izetta Harris (dedicated, supportive extraordinaire), Valda (Al) Cauther (South Carolina); sisters-in-law, Berniece Ray (Ann Arbor, MI), Mary Ruth Watson (Lansing, MI) and Geneva Hooker (New Orleans, LA); extended family members, dedicated and faithful cousin Jackie Crum (Georgia), Lawrence Beard (Mississippi), Tony Jackson (friend, who challenged John in chess and whom John enjoyed playing chess with), very special long-time friends Janice Small (Pennsylvania), Preston Van "The Real Man" Willliams (Florida), Shelton Phillips (Lansing, MI) who was a faithful, loyal and dedicated friend who often came to play chess with John, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

John was preceded in death by: his parents, John and Elnora Morris; in-laws, Lucien and Nettie Beard; son, John Ansley; step-son, Mark Beard; special friend, Reverend Lester D. Stone.

John has been cremated as per his request and wishes.

A military salute to honor John and the scattering of his ashes will occur at a later date.