James Renard Morgan Jr.

James Renard Morgan Jr., 55, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away October 27, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 2:00–3:30 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount Boulevard. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2026, at Paramount Baptist Church, 3801 S. Western Street. Interment will follow at Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

We are celebrating James with color, not just black and white, just as he lived his life.

James was born March 10, 1971, in Memphis, Texas, to James and Venita Morgan. He grew up in Wellington and graduated from Wellington High School in 1989. He loved being a Skyrocket and was involved in band, where he played trombone, as well as drama and other school activities. His love of computers began during those years and eventually led to a career spanning 33 years.

As a young man, James loved to fish and hunt, especially when he could share those experiences with his father. Perhaps being a Skyrocket helped spark his love of flying, which eventually led him to become a hot air balloonist and pilot. He graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in 1992 with a degree in Computer Programming.

In December 1992, James married Genevieve Leigh Morgan, a little over a year after they met. Their versions of how they met were always slightly different, but both involved a football game. James loved to tease Leigh and give her a hard time about just about everything. He had a wonderful sense of humor and knew how to keep life entertaining. They were especially blessed to spend their last six weeks together.

In December 1998, James received the best Christmas gift of his life when Alexandria Noelle arrived. He loved being a father, and Lexi was definitely a Daddy’s girl. In 2004, he met a sweet, brown-eyed girl who wrapped herself around his little finger, and in 2005, Gabrielle Marie became a Morgan. James loved teasing people by asking, “Which of my girls looks most like me?”

James began his career in Amarillo with Lone Star Valuations, where he was blessed to have a great mentor in Lewis Henderson. Several years later, he purchased the company, and Morgan Ad Valorem Services, Inc., was born. James performed property tax appraisals across several districts throughout the years. He was also an approved educational course instructor and taught numerous property tax classes, primarily at the North Plains Chapter Class Center located at the Potter-Randall County Appraisal District.

In 2021, James and Leigh opened a travel agency and looked forward to exploring the world together. Some of their favorite memories were made of traveling on cruises. James especially loved Alaska and couldn't wait to return. He enjoyed sitting out on deck, taking in the sea air and simply enjoying the moment. Traveling together gave them the opportunity to discover new places, share adventures, and make memories they would always treasure.

James developed a passion for hot air ballooning after following the Hoopers to a few rallies. Over time, he purchased several balloons, with his last one being Calypso. Buzz and Sharon Wills took him under their wings and gave him the opportunity to soar. Michael Scott mentored and challenged him, Michael Hernandez treated him like a brother, Chris Jones brought out his competitive spirit, and Mike Hoover became a lifelong friend.

Ballooning was something James truly cherished. He frequently flew Calypso at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and above our amazing Palo Duro Canyon. So many people made a lasting impact on his life through this passion, including our Albuquerque crew, Pam and Stefanie. His faithful crew chief Dale and his wife Carol helped make our adventures complete. Being a hot air balloon pilot gave James countless memories, incredible adventures, and friendships that meant the world to him.

In 2011, James and Leigh began hosting foreign exchange students and discovered the joy of learning about other countries and cultures. Those students became his kids, and he loved them as if they were his own. Together, they hosted 26 students in their home and welcomed many more into their lives through their work as area coordinators.

But James's greatest blessings were his grandchildren. He absolutely loved being Papa. He loved finding toys for them, especially vintage toys, taking them on trips to make incredible memories, and simply spending time together. Sometimes that meant a road trip with Lincoln to get their haircuts at Roni's. Other times, it meant playing with Blue or holding Theodore James. No matter what they were doing, being a Papa brought James tremendous joy.

James was preceded in death by his father, James Morgan Sr., and his older brother, Michael Morgan.

He is survived by his wife, Genevieve “Leigh” Morgan; daughters Alexandria Zalman (Michael) and Gabrielle Morgan; Mother Venita Houston (Chuck); sisters Kimala Knight (Keith) and Mendy Cotner (Toby); brother Scott Morgan (Danielle); and sisters-in-law Tiffany Smith and Catherine Daniel (Clark).

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Lincoln Shepherd Zalman, Theodore James Zalman, and Bluelle Love Luckey, along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

James's exchange student children held a special place in his heart. They include Paulina, Carolin, Valerie, Alexandra, Arianna, Carmen, Chiara, Jessica, Maggie, Lukas, Marine, Patricia, Sara, Sandra, and Klervi.

Klervi came from the Montgolfier family, whose connection to the history of hot air ballooning became an incredible part of our family's story. It was a special connection that brought James's love of ballooning and his love for his exchange student family together.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to our Tribe for the love, support, and kindness shown during this season. We are grateful for Leigh's DLS Team, their small group (Dre, Jimmy, Jared, Velvet, Stephanie, John David, Christie, John, Rodney, Debbie and Tong), Tausha and Torrey, Cindy and Terry and much of their Paramount family, lifelong friends, and the many people who blessed James throughout his life. Your prayers, encouragement, generosity, and love have meant more than words can express.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Paramount Baptist Church Scholarship Committee, which James enjoyed serving.