James David Morgan

James David Morgan, known affectionately as Jim, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at the age of 60, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born on July 10, 1964, to Darrell and Grace Morgan (née Bankson). Jim grew up in Brush Prairie, Washington, as the youngest of four sons, alongside his brothers Jeff, Jerry, and John Morgan.

After graduating high school, Jim proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a life filled with service, adventure, and hard work. During his time in the Navy, he served aboard a minesweeper off the coast of Alaska.

Following his military service, Jim settled in Woodland, Washington, where he married Heidi Sarvela. He became a devoted stepfather to Brian and Alex Grant, and together he and Heidi had one daughter, Clarissa. The couple also lovingly helped raise Damon and Michael Sarvela for several years. The family shared many joyful years in Woodland before Jim and Heidi divorced in 2011.

In time, Jim found love again with his longtime partner, Tori Stripp. The couple moved to Arizona, where they enjoyed the warm sunshine and built a happy life together.

Jim was known as “Papa Jim” or “Papa” to his eight beloved grandchildren: Cambry, Harper, Brayden, Dillon, Kellan, Ben, Kaprice, Holly and by Tori’s two grandchildren, Reese and Slate. Papa loved to rough house and cuddle all the kids.

A hardworking man through and through, Jim built a career as a truck driver — a job he genuinely loved. His work took him all over the country, and he even competed in trucking competitions, one of which his father proudly attended in Memphis. Jim was respected for his strong work ethic, reliability, and his love for the open road.

Jim was also a man of many interests. He was a boxer, a marathon finisher, and an avid outdoorsman. He especially loved working in the woods and took great pride in cutting and stacking hundreds — possibly thousands — of cords of firewood over the years.

Above all, Jim had a zest for life. He never hesitated to dive into fun, never took life too seriously, and brought laughter and warmth wherever he went. He truly lived each of his 60 years to the fullest.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Proebstel Evangelical Free Church, with a reception to follow. A graveside service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church at 2:30 p.m. All who knew and loved Jim are invited to attend and honor his remarkable life.

Proebstel Evangelical Free Church is located at 18702 NE Fourth Plain Road, Vancouver, WA 98682.

Bethel Lutheran Church is located at 12919 NE 159th St, Brush Prairie, WA 98606.