James A. “Jim” Morton, age 77, of Mt. Sterling, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the Willowbrook Healthcare in Carlisle, KY.  Jim was born June 28, 1949,  in Mt. Sterling to the late Buford and Lorraine Fortune Morton. Jim was the Director of Financial Aid Department at Sullivan University when he retired.  He was a member of the Antioch Christian Church.

Jim devoted much of his professional life to higher education and to helping students pursue their goals. During his long career at Morehead State University, he served in several areas of student life and administration. His positions included Associate Director of Housing for Men, Director of Student Housing, and Director of Financial Aid. Through these roles, Jim assisted countless students and families and became a respected and valued member of the Morehead State community. Jim’s service at Morehead State extended well beyond his official job responsibilities. 

Following his years at Morehead State, Jim continued his career in higher education at Sullivan University’s Lexington campus. He served as Director of Financial Planning, helping students and their families understand their options and find ways to make a college education possible. His work reflected a lifelong commitment to education and service to others. 

Outside his professional career, Jim was perhaps best known for his many years of devoted service to the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Pageant and, through it, the broader Miss America program. Starting in 1988, he served as staff director of the Miss Morehead State University Pageant. Jim believed students should be given meaningful responsibilities and opportunities to lead, and he encouraged their involvement in directing, producing, music, costumes, lighting, sound, set construction, and the many other elements required to present the pageant. What began through his involvement with the Miss Morehead State University Pageant grew into an important and lasting role within the Miss Kentucky family. Jim served in leadership and volunteer capacities, including as Official Photographer of The Miss Kentucky Scholarship Pageant, Quality of Life Award Chair, Director of state/local pageants and Board Member of The Miss KY scholarship pageant. More than these titles Jim was mostly a trusted friend, strong encourager, adviser and mentor to many contestants and Miss Kentucky title holders. Several former Miss Kentucky’s remember Jim among the people whose sacrifice and commitment made a lasting difference in their lives. He celebrated their accomplishments, supported them through disappointments, and remained a loyal friend long after titles and crowns were passed along. 

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, loyalty, and willingness to serve. He possessed a special ability to recognize potential in others and to make people feel valued. Whether he was assisting a college student, advising a contestant, preparing for a pageant, or simply offering a word of encouragement, Jim gave his time and talents generously.

Jim is survived by his sister Cindy (Jeff) Clark of Mt. Sterling; 2 brothers: Danny (Debbie) Morton of Mt. Sterling and Stewart (Sandra) Morton of Mt. Sterling; nieces: Brandi Shular, Ashley Mayberry, Whittney Martin and nephews: Daren Morton, Matthew Morton and Zachary Clark and several great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 24th at Herald & Stewart Home For Funerals.  Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be Bill Kilgore.

Burial to follow at Fortune Cemetery, Mt. Sterling, KY.   Pallbearers: Trey Mayberry, Tyson Morton, Jesse Martin, Zac Clark, Daren Morton, Matthew Morton.

Services entrusted to the care of Herald & Stewart Home For Funerals, 1002 Woodford Drive, Mt. Sterling, KY  40353