James H. Morey

A private graveside service will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery, with full military honors, for Lieutenant Commander James H. Morey, U.S. Navy, Retired. LT. CMDR. Morey died Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Chapel Grove Inn, Heath, Ohio. He was born April 1, 1921 in Brockton, Massachusetts to the late Pearly L. and Noreen (Cash) Morey.

A naval aviator, Jim served in WWII and the Korean War with his first carrier landing September 4, 1943, on the USS Sable. During his military career, Jim served aboard the USS Hancock CV19 and had a total of 99 aircraft carrier landings. He flew the Avenger, Hell Cat, PBY-5A Catalina, Corsair F4U, and Patrol Bomber by Martin during his naval career. Jim was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and six Bronze Stars. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and the Philippines, where he was in the Battle for Leyte Gulf, known as the largest naval battle in history.

After retirement from the Navy, Jim attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he earned a BS degree in Economics. Following his college graduation, he embarked in a career in financial services and retired from Variable Life Insurance Company. He enjoyed playing golf, watching football, and spending time with his beloved dog, Lord Byron in addition to spending time with friends from the "Breakfast Club". He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Granville, U.S. Navy League, and the Masonic Lodge.

Surviving are his children; Tom and Vickie Morey of Fresno, CA, James Morey, Jr. of Harrison Township, MI, John Morey of Roswell, GA, and Ann Morey and son-in law, Lisle Ellis of Fresno, CA; seven grandchildren, Katherine, Nicholas, Devin, Jacob, Sarah, Rachel, and Dean; three brothers, Norman, Ronald, and Barry; and his faithful companion Lord Byron.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, JoAnn (McClelland) Morey, who died May 31, 2012 and granddaughter, Angelique, who passed away November 15, 2012.

The family will receive friends Sunday, February 16, 2014 from 2 to 4 P.M. at the McPeek-Hoekstra Funeral Home, 133 S. Prospect St., Granville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight Columbus, P.O. Box 12036, Columbus, OH 43212, whose mission is to take WWII and Korean War Vets to Washington D.C.