James Reid Morrison Jr.

James "Reid" Morrison, Jr., 78, most recently a resident of Chapel Hill, NC, passed away on September 28, 2025. A native North Carolinian, who also spent time in his youth in Daytona Beach, FL., Reid graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1971, where his lifelong passion for Tar Heel sports was born. He dedicated his 35-year career to the American Heart Association (AHA), leaving an indelible mark on communities in North Carolina, Maryland, and Hawaii through his tireless efforts to combat heart disease and stroke.

As Executive Director and later Vice President for Volunteer Development at the AHA Hawaii affiliate (1981 until his retirement in 2006), Reid led the Hawaii affiliate to the AHA’s top rankings (often #1) among its 56 affiliates for charitable giving. Under his leadership, contributions by the affiliate increased nearly 400%, achieving a remarkable $3 per capita—the highest in the nation at the time. His vision led to Hawaii hosting the first-ever conference on Women and Heart Disease and vastly expanded education and outreach to underserved communities. He was instrumental in the placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces and high-risk venues in Hawaii.

Reid was a curious and joyful traveler, missing only Antarctica among his continental destinations. He was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise, walked/ran numerous 10k races and completed the Honolulu Marathon five times. Throughout his life, he cherished walks on Daytona Beach with his father, climbing Diamond Head and Puʻu ʻŌhiʻa (Mount Tantalus) with his son, James Reid Morrison, III, and hikes through North Carolina's wooded trails with his partner of 10 years Cate Alexander, and cherished canine companions Desi and Casey. Reid rarely missed a Tar Heels basketball game, even in the “rebuilding years,” cheering with the same enthusiasm he brought to every facet of his life. Reid’s warmth, dedication, and genuine personality will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the communities he served.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Reid Morrison at www.heart.org.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at Binkley Church,1712 Willow Dr., Chapel Hill, NC.