Indiana sports icon and civic champion Jim Morris passes away

Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) announced that their vice chairman Jim Morris died on July 12. Morris was 81 years old. “Jim’s life was a testament to public service and dedication to making our city and state a better place,” owner of PS&E Herbert Simon said in a statement. “He wasn’t just a leader, he was family … To his very last day, he was hard at work bringing people together to help those most in need and make our city and our state stronger, more civil, and more united. No one loved Indiana and Indianapolis more than Jim.” Morris, a graduate of Indiana University with a master’s degree from Butler University, joined P&SE in 2007 after a distinguished career in government, business and philanthropy. Subsequently, Morris began his career with American Fletcher National Bank before becoming chief of staff to Indianapolis Mayor Richard G. Lugar in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He later joined the Lilly Endowment, ultimately becoming the organization’s president. Many community members and stakeholders join in the ribbon cutting of the Bicentennial Unity Plaza near Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Aug. 24, 2023. Vice Chairman of PS&E Jim Morris (Far Left) (Photo/Noral Parham III) Morris’ leadership extended...