Statement from Amir Pasic, the Eugene R. Tempel Dean, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague Jim Morris. A philanthropist, global humanitarian, civic and business leader, Jim was a great champion of our school and a former member of our board of visitors.
A highly respected, long-time national and international leader in philanthropy, Jim made an enduring difference in the lives of people across Indiana and around the world. From genuine interest in the welfare of each individual to addressing global challenges as executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme, his mission was a life of service and community, leaving each place, organization, and cause far better than he found it.
It is difficult to overstate Jim’s contributions to our school, our university, our state, and to humanitarianism worldwide. We are especially grateful for his encouragement and enthusiastic, enduring support for our school and for the compassion, generosity, and leadership that he exemplified for our school community.
When the idea to create our school’s predecessor, the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, was born, Jim was president of Lilly Endowment. He embraced its vision for the study of philanthropy and took pride in the fact that Lilly Endowment’s early, substantial funding of the center was integral to realizing that vision. He remained a trusted advisor throughout the center’s journey to become the world’s first school of philanthropy and as the school continued to grow and achieve its goals. Jim also served on the advisory council for our Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and had taught for The Fund Raising School.
A particular pleasure for Jim was serving his beloved Indiana University in numerous roles, and I will always cherish the special honor of being with him on the podium when he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from IU.
We will deeply miss Jim’s wisdom, insight, and kindness, even as we celebrate and draw inspiration from his remarkable life and legacy.