Rear Admir James Brendon Morin

Rear Admiral James B. Morin, US Navy (Retired) died on July 4th, 2021 in Tallahassee, FL. It was a fitting day based on his decades of military service. James Brendon Morin was born on October 27, 1927 in Cohoes, New York, the son of Paul Joseph Morin of Fitchburg, MA, and Noreen Theresa Wynne of Kilflynn, County Kerry, Ireland. He was a graduate of St Peter’s High School of Worcester, MA, and the University of California at Berkley. In 1945, he enlisted in the US Navy in the V-5 pilot training program, and earned his Naval Aviator wings in 1948 at Pensacola Naval Air Station, becoming one of the “Flying Midshipmen.” While on leave from the Navy in 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Anne Kane in Worcester, MA. They raised five children who defined the slogan, “We are a Navy family.” Rear Admiral Morin’s Navy career spanned 34-years and included service in both wartime and peacetime. He had six commands, including Attack Squadron VA-155, the Silver Foxes (for which he led the first US Navy air attacks into North Vietnam from USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43) in 1965); Attack Carrier Air Wing Seven; Light Attack Wing One; USS LA SALLE (AGF-3); AND USS FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT (CVA-42). He was promoted to Rear Admiral on July 1, 1975. He retired from the US Navy in 1979. He is survived by his five children, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His children are: Captain James Brendon Morin Jr, USN (Ret), and his wife Louise. Sarah Morin Bishop, Former Chairman of Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, and her husband Bruce. Children Elizabeth and Margaret. Commander John Patrick Morin, USN (Ret), and his wife Denise. Children Catherine and Lieutenant John P, USN. Commander Mary Margaret Morin, USNR (Ret), and System Vice President, Sentara Healthcare, and her husband David Spinazolla. Mary’s son is John Francis. Lydia Noreen Morin Ackermann, whose husband is Captain Glen Ackermann, USN (Ret). Children Lydia Kathleen, Nora Katherine, former Lieutenant USN, Lieutenant Brendon, USN, and Connor. A few years after Betty Anne’s death in 1992, Jim Morin moved to Tallahassee with his partner, Rita Johnson. They lived together in Tallahassee for the past 27 years. Rear Admiral James B Morin will be in inurned at Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium with full military honors. His ashes will be inurned next to Betty Anne’s at a date to be determined. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Wednesday July 7, 2021 at Bevis Funeral Home. Todd Wahlquist with Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Morin family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Rear Admir James Brendon Morin

October 27, 1927 - July 4, 2021