News

Friends, family to celebrate life of Jack Morrill

By Kirsten Michener
Staff writer
Published: July 9, 2009

AMESBURY — With the unexpected death of Jack Morrill, the community has lost a face that few people would be unable to recognize. Known as a beloved family man with many talents, Morrill was always willing to help others.

Morrill, who would have celebrated his 51st birthday Tuesday, lost his life in April due to injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident. He was a resident of Amesbury until he moved to Naples, Maine, 10 years ago.

He left behind his wife, Theresa Cole Morrill, three children, Ty, 9, Braleigh, 11, and eldest daughter Jennifer Freeman, two grandchildren — with one on the way — and many more close family members and friends.

"Everybody knew him," said longtime best friend Tammi Perkins. "He touched a lot of lives, the kind of the guy who would do anything for you."

On Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m. at The Polish National Alliance Club, there will be a celebration of Morrill's life. A Jack Morrill Memorial Foundation has been set up as well. A $25 donation will enter donors into raffles, with all of the proceeds going toward a yearly high school scholarship and a trust fund for Morrill's children. Some of the main items being raffled off are two Red Sox tickets, three Patriots preseason tickets, a set of five authentic signed Bruins player cards, a signed picture by Jonathan Papelbon with David Ortiz and the World Series trophy, gift baskets from Bath and Body Works and much more.

"We're hoping to continue (Morrill's) name in the community by giving a $500 scholarship every year for as long as we possibly can," Perkins said.

Morrill was an avid sports fan, as well as an incredible athlete himself, Perkins said. He played hockey, football, baseball and softball throughout his school years and went on to play semipro hockey in Canada for a short while. Motorcyles became another hobby for Morrill when he moved to Maine, Perkins said. Morrill and his wife rode motorcycles together.

"(Morrill) was an athlete, outdoors man and all-around good guy," Perkins said. "He will be forever missed."

Perkins said Morrill was an "amazing" carpenter, and with his business, Morrill Builders, he constructed many homes in the area. Most recently, Morrill was helping to renovate the home of his daughter and her husband, Ryan Freeman, in Amesbury. Although Morrill had moved, he would spend weeks at a time in Amesbury, devoting his time to the Freemans' house, Perkins said.

"He enjoyed his kids, grandchildren and son-in-law very much," Jennifer Freeman said.

All donations of any amount are appreciated. Checks can be made payable to the Jack Morrill Memorial Foundation and can be sent to The Polish National Alliance Club, P.O. Box 409, Amesbury.