James Morse, 80

OTIS, Mass. — James Bidwell Morse, 80, of North Main Road, Otis, died Monday, September 4, 2017, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.

James was born December 3, 1936, the son of Milan and Eleanor Cragg Morse. Jim was raised in Becket and graduated from the former Dalton High School. He served in the US Army Reserves in the mid 1950s.

Jim worked in construction for Maxymillian Corp. and was a member of the LIUNA Local 473. Jim’s passion was in antique collecting and dealing. He especially enjoyed attending Brimfield Antique Show, where he wheeled and dealed all day long. 

A friend to everyone, Jim loved attending various church suppers and was a die-hard fan and supporter of the Lee High School Girls Basketball and Volleyball teams. Jim was proud of the fact that he was a direct descendent of pilgrim George Soule, who came over on the Mayflower.

Mr. Morse leaves behind his sister, Eleanor Morse Bookhardt, and her husband Jessie of Ringgold, Ga.; three nieces; one nephew; and several cousins, including Estella Hurley and Kathy DeVarennes.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for James B. Morse will be held Friday, September 8, 2017, at 10 a.m. at the Kelly Funeral Home with Rev Bill Neil, officiating. Burial will follow in Otis Cemetery. 

Visiting hours will be Thursday, September 7, 2017, 5 to 7 p.m. at Kelly Funeral Home. Those wishing may make a donation in Jim’s memory to the Otis Senior Center in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.