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Dr. James O. Morphis, Jr., a beloved pediatrician, devoted husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on February 29, 1932, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Dr. Morphis was the son of the late James Oscar and Jessie Swaim Morphis. After graduating from Guilford College, he earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. He completed his internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and then went to South Dakota, where he served on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and then returned to Duke for his pediatric residency, where he served as Chief Resident. In 1964, Dr. Morphis and his wife, Isobel Thayer Morphis, moved to Hartsville, South Carolina, where he established his pediatric practice. For more than 50 years, he cared for generations of children with skill, kindness, and a steady hand, leaving a lasting mark on countless families. He also served as Medical Director of the Thad E. Saleeby Center for fifty years and was an active member of the South Carolina Academy of Pediatrics. His tireless service to the community made him both a trusted physician and a cherished community member. He was named Citizen of the Year, as well as the recipient of the Order of the Palmetto. Beyond his practice, Dr. Morphis was a proud and dedicated team doctor to the Hartsville Red Fox football team, a role he treasured for many years. He was also a man of many passions — he loved golf, tennis, cooking, hunting, fishing, gardening, football, and reading. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, from growing HUGE pumpkins and crawfish to enjoying fishing at Ocean Isle Beach to sharing meals with family and friends. A man of faith, Dr. Morphis was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church in Hartsville, where he found fellowship and strength. Dr. Morphis was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Isobel Thayer Morphis, as well as his sister, Dot Heritage, and brother Tom Morphis. He is survived by his sons, Clayton Grady Morphis of Shallotte, NC, and James O. Morphis III (Dr. Beth Johnson Morphis) of Hartsville, SC, as well as his grandchildren Jordan Thayer Morphis, Clayton Grady Morphis, Jr, Jessie Seluda Morphis, and Isobel McNair Morphis, and his great-granddaughter Riley Thayer Bruce, all of whom he adored. He also leaves behind his beloved cats, Lukie, Bullseye, and Vinnie Vango, as well as many special friends who enriched his life. Dr. Morphis will be remembered for his generosity, storytelling, compassion, and unwavering commitment to others. His legacy will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched as a physician, mentor, father, and friend. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 4 o'clock on Monday, September 22, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, with The Rev. Ashely Cheek officiating. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. A gathering of friends and family will also be held at 4:30 pm on Sunday, September 21, at The Farm, 3042 Underground Branch Road, Hartsville, SC, and all are welcome to come and celebrate Jim's life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to First Presbyterian Church, 213 W. Home Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550, or Hartsville High School Athletics, 701 Lewellen Ave, Hartsville, SC 29550. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home are caring for the family.

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Dr. James Oscar Morphis Jr.

February 29, 1932 - September 18, 2025