The following is Joe’s obituary that was published in the Annapolis Capitol on September 3, 2023. 

E. Joseph Morris, known to most as “Dr. Joe” was born on December 30, 1954 to Dr. Frank Morris and his beloved wife Peg, joining his older brothers Frank and Eddie. 

Like his father and older brothers, Joe was called to medicine and attended Loyola College and the University of Maryland Medical School where he met the love of his life, Jeanne - a nurse at the University of Maryland Medical Center at the time. They quickly realized they had each met their match and life partner in one another and married while Joe was still a medical student. They bought a house in Sherwood Forest, where Joe spent childhood summers with his family, that they dreamed to (and did!) fill with children. Joe and Jeanne enjoyed nearly 45 years of marriage as devoted, steadfast partners. They shared a strong faith, never tired of each other’s company,  and loved each other deeply. They raised five children together (at one point having all four daughters in their teens!) - Colleen, Bridget, Meg, Khaki, and Joseph - and made family a central priority and value they instilled in their children. The lessons his children learned from having a dad like Joe - both those he intentionally taught and those they learned simply by watching him relentlessly perform quiet acts of service and be a friend or sounding board for whom ever needed it - will be carried on in them. 

Joe practiced medicine for over 40 years as an obstetrician, following in his late father’s footsteps. Joe was a true physician - leading with a listening ear and strong sense of empathy, with a sharp intellect and steady hand. 

In addition to raising his own 5 children he touched thousands of lives as a caring physician who valued his patients’ care and dignity above all else. Over his years of practice, he celebrated countless “birth days” and loved to bring new life and joy into the world. 

When he wasn’t on call, Joe lived for his family and, together, he and Jeanne gave their five children a wonderful childhood. Joe coached many sports and taught his kids to play lacrosse, ride their bikes, and water ski. 

In addition to being a hands on dad and full time doctor, Joe excelled at living life and having fun. He had many hobbies over the years, and loved to drive anything fast - vintage cars, boats, and perhaps his favorite of all, motorcycles. He had a lively and extensive crew of friends who would all agree that when you met Joe, you had a friend for life. He was as loyal and resolute as they come. 

An Irishman through and through, Joe could always tell a crowd pleasing (if sometimes a bit inappropriate) joke and a story where the punchline always landed (and tended to get somewhat embellished over time - particularly if fishing was involved). 

In the last fifteen years, he walked each of his four daughters down the aisle and was proud of the son in laws he gained (and was happy to finally not be outnumbered by the women in his family!). He enjoyed sharing his love of being a waterman and driving fast cars with his son. 

He welcomed eight grandchildren in the span of five years who all adored their “Poppy” and especially loved going on golf cart and boat rides on his lap at the helm.  His coaching career even came full circle as he coached several granddaughters in their first seasons of lacrosse. 

Joe’s love and devotion for his wife and children was matched only by his unwavering and lifelong faith in God. 

In his words, he “fought the good fight” against cancer, but was at peace passing surrounded by his wife and children and uplifted by the many messages of love and support he received from family, friends, colleagues, and even passing acquaintances since his diagnosis. 

His family and loved ones will remember Joe for the twinkle in his eye when he was telling a joke, his compassionate manner as a friend and physician, and his unwavering love and devotion to his wife and family. He was one of a kind. 

He was immensely loved and will be missed beyond measure. 

Joe is survived by the love of his life Jeanne; his beloved mother-in-law Jane B. Clemmens; his children, Colleen and Stuart Freestate, Bridget and Jeff Stockdale, Meg and Gib Hale, Kathleen and Peter St. John, and Joseph Morris; his grandchildren Claire and Wells Freestate, Pierce and Georgie Stockdale, Jane Gray and Harrison Hale, and Alec and Palmer St. John. 

A service in celebration of Joe’s life will be held on September 9 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Neumann in Annapolis with a reception to follow at the Sherwood Forest Clubhouse.