James Douglas Morgan was born on February 6, 1952, in Bonham, Texas to Beulah Lee Phillips Morgan (1920-1970) and Boyd Ray Morgan (1918-1993). Known to most as Doug, he exemplified courage, strength, resiliency, love and lightheartedness despite decades of hardship.
He carried many titles over his 69 years: Beloved son and nephew to many aunts and uncles who entered God’s kingdom before him; a lifelong loyal friend to many; a devoted husband (just shy of 39 years); proud father; and most recently father-in-law.
In 1973, he graduated with a B.S. from East Texas State University as a first-generation college graduate and Delta Sigma fraternity brother, followed by a M.Ed. in 1978. Doug worked as an elementary school principal, teacher, bus driver, and coach for six years. He met his wife Melanie in 1979 and they married on December 31, 1982. They lived in Tyler and Mesquite, where he worked as a claims adjuster, until relocating to Houston to attend South Texas College of Law. Doug scored in the top 3 percentile on the state bar exam.
In 1991, Doug and Melanie’s life changed forever with the birth of their daughter, Madelyn Rose Morgan. Doug started his own law firm and practiced for 26 years while living in Richardson, Texas. During this time, he carried titles like soccer coach and club soccer team manager, Freemason, avid gardener, and Texas Longhorn father.
Doug lived courageously. Three-time cancer survivor, even when all odds were against him. He fought for his family and loved spending time with friends. Over the last 20 years, Doug lost the ability to partake in many activities, but he continued to love life and those who surrounded him.
Doug loved basketball and baseball, going to the horse races, studying history, cheering on the Longhorns and the Astros, vacationing at the beach, and each of his Chow Chows during their respective lifetimes (Allie, Gracie and Emma).
On December 6, 2021, after two years of fighting his fourth cancer diagnosis, Doug peacefully departed his home in Austin surrounded by family to his eternal home in Heaven, to be surrounded by his Lord, parents, family and friends. He leaves behind wife Melanie R. Morgan, daughter Madelyn R. Morgan, son-in-law Jeffrey B. Bordinhao, Uncle Hoyt B. Morgan, and Nellie the Chow.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you donate to the American Cancer Society in his honor: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/JDMorgan
Services will be held on Saturday, December 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home in Greenville, TX. Graveside services will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Wolfe City. The family requests you please wear a mask in the funeral home.