NFHS CEO Karissa Niehoff Shares Thoughts on Passing of Jim Morris

Jim Morris, a business and sports leader in the city of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana and throughout the world for six decades, passed away Friday, July 12, at the age of 81. Morris was involved in every major civic, business and sports initiative in Indianapolis the past 50 years, including heading a group of leaders that brought the NCAA and the NFHS from the Kansas City area to Indianapolis in 1999.

Dr. Karissa Niehoff, CEO of the NFHS, who has worked alongside Morris on several initiatives since becoming the organization’s chief executive in 2018, offered the following thoughts on Morris:

“The National Federation of State High School Associations joins the city of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and people around the world in expressing our sadness about the passing of Jim Morris. We stand with everyone in our heartfelt gratitude for all that Jim did to unite people and professions around what is most important for youth, families, communities, countries, and humanity as a whole. The NFHS sits proudly in Indianapolis due to Jim’s efforts to bring the key institutions of sport, education, wellness, business and technology to this incredible city. Jim was the consummate champion – quiet and constant; powerful in persistence, patience and peace.

“It has been said that gratitude is the highest form of prayer. To Jim’s wife, Jackie, and family, we are grateful for Jim and will carry his torch with pride.”