Known as "Tiger" by family and an extended network of friends throughout the State of West Virginia, he was recognized within the political and medical community as an icon of public service. He was a recipient of the Distinguished West Virginian Award.
Jim's office within DHHR was sometimes known as the Court of Last Resort because of his significant skill in using personal and political networks to help people in dire need of assistance. He was known to arrange everything from medical care and transplant operations to food stamps for needy children, sometimes at his own expense.
In February 1999, the West Virginia Legislature ratified House Bill 2841, known as the James H. "Tiger" Morton Catastrophic Illness Fund. The bill, which sailed unanimously though both houses, established a fund in Jim's honor to assist needy persons afflicted with serious illness.
He was well known throughout the political community in West Virginia, and was involved as a strategist and consultant in many campaigns.
Jim served as Governor John D. Rockefeller's special assistant and legislative liaison from 1977 to 1980. In March 1981, a similar position was created for him in what is now the WV Department of Health and Human Resources.
Jim graduated from Webster Springs High School and West Virginia University. He was a coach and teacher in Monongalia County secondary schools where he was recognized as Educator of the year. He also served as Vice Principal at Charleston High School and Lincoln Junior High School.
He won Distinguished Service Awards from both the WV Deaf Association and the National Federation of the Blind. He had a diploma in evangelism from Rhama Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
All four sides of his family pioneered West Virginia, arriving in the state by the early 1800s.
His church family is the Bethany Baptist Church, Greenbrier Street, Charleston. The service at the Capitol Rotunda was officiated by the Reverend Rodney Smith of Bethany Baptist.
Jim is the son of the late Ruth Herold Morton and George Weldon Morton. He was born in Buckhannon, West Virginia. His final resting place is at the West Virginia Memorial Gardens, Calvin, West Virginia.
Jim's life can be summarized by the verse, II Timothy 4:7, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. James Herold "Tiger" Morton, August 22, 1937 - December 27, 1999.