John W. Morgan Celebration of Life

John W. Morgan

John Wesley Morgan, 83, passed on from this life on January 19, 2025 at home. He was born October 28, 1941 in Portland, Oregon to Robert Munro and Lucy Ann (Wendell) Morgan. He was raised in Sauvie Island, Oregon.
John was a cowboy through and through... from a young boy he loved horses, and that love transcended to the ultimate man vs horse achievement: riding a bareback bucking bronco in a rodeo. Which he did many times... with success, failure, pain and pride.
John followed in the footsteps of his father, Robert M Morgan, with a career in the irrigation, agriculture and turf business. It was not uncommon for industry folks to see both John and his father at trade shows and meetings.
John's early business days were that of a "road warrior" - driving all around the US to meet with customers, solve problems, and, of course, take orders. His career required much travel, including flying both domestically and abroad. Which was fitting because he love planes... starting with his service in the U.S. Air Force and extending through his world travels with elite airline status.
John was very witty... never missing an opportunity for a pun or to hilariously change song lyrics or book excerpts
John was an avid runner and was deemed a "streaker" because he faithfully documented his daily runs for 30+ years - whether stateside or abroad, whether winter or summer. John qualified for the 1984 New York City Marathon and proudly accomplished crossing the finish line in under four hours. John also ran the Pikes Peak Marathon in Colorado Springs, where he not only ascended the mountain but also made it back down.
John LOVED baseball and was a lifelong, true-blue Los Angeles Dodgers fan... he was absolutely thrilled they won the 2024 World Series just days after his final birthday. What a gift indeed!
John was introduced to Suzi Shriver in 2012. They were married in 2014. He became stepdad to David Shriver. John and Suzi shared their love of cats, dogs, horses, good friends, family and their spirituality. John supported Suzi in her work, aspirations and adventures, often saying “that’s my Suzi.” John was also a help with his new stepson, David, who has special needs. He would often “fill in the gaps” that were created by Suzi’s work and travel.
John’s personal life and outlook changed when he decided to wholeheartedly acknowledge his alcoholism. He stopped drinking on January 9, 2018 and recently celebrated 7 years of sobriety. After completing the AA 12 step program, he began to sponsor other recovering alcoholics, attended drug court and the jail to support others. His family and friends were incredibly proud and supportive of his efforts.
In 2013, John closed the chapter on his long-time love of running. He was a member of the U.S. Running Streak Association and was ranked 51st in Masters group for running from 1979 -2012 completing 12,494 days (34 years and 2 months) of consecutive running with a minimum of 1 mile each day as well as completing a journal entry for each run.
John loved studying about the civil war and specific battles. He traveled to some of those sites with his brother-in-law, John Brennan. He also wrote about his experiences and perceptions of that historic war.
John was also very well-traveled. In his business he traveled all over the world but he was especially fond of the U.K. where his sister-in-law, Jennifer and nephew Nicholas lived. His extensive travel earned him million-mile status with United Airlines and he proudly displayed his plaque with each airport listed on it.
John’s faith in God was incredibly important to him. He enjoyed men’s bible studies and First Baptist Church where he was an active member for many years. He appreciated the love and support of so many of the members and his pastor, Lance Zagaris.
John was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Daniel. He is survived by his wife, Suzi; his children, Jacqueline Morgan (Chris) Sommers & Victoria Morgan (Ron) Lapworth and Matthew Munro (Sara) Morgan; stepson, David Shriver; grandchildren, Nicole Green, Vincent (Rebecca) Stocker, Lucas Morgan, Wesley Morgan, Abigail Morgan; great-granddaughter, Isabella Grace; brother, James (Anne) Morgan; sister, Mary Ann (John) Brenan as well as many loving nieces & nephews.
A viewing will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Services will be held at 4:00 PM the following day, Monday, February 3, 2025 at the Potter Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s name to Pet Adoption League, Emmett, Idaho or to the First Baptist Church youth group.
John will be missed by his friends and family, leaving behind a gap that cannot be filled. He is running free and without pain now. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim. 4:7