Jon Nicholson Morris

Jon Nicholson Morris, 84, died Wednesday, October 15, 2026 at Golden View Health Center in Meredith, New Hampshire, following a long battle with dementia. He was born on April 5, 1942 in Washington, D.C., the son of John and Leonie Morris. He was the husband of Gail Morris. They were married on December 28, 1968 in Boston, Massachusetts. High school: Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., Class of 1960. College: Holy Cross College, Worcester, Massachusetts, Class of 1964.

Jon was a phenomenal athlete who dedicated much of his life to football. He played college ball for the Holy Cross Crusaders, where he was a standout center and linebacker, ultimately earning induction into the Holy Cross Hall of Fame in 1973 as well as the Holy Cross Ring of Honor in 2010. His exceptional talent led him to the NFL when he was drafted in 1964. Choosing the Boston Patriots over the Green Bay Packers, Jon embarked on a remarkable 15-season professional career that included 11 seasons with the Patriots (1964–1974), three seasons with the Detroit Lions (1974-1977), and one with the Chicago Bears (1977-1978). A six-time AFL All-Star and a Pro Bowler, Jon simply loved football. Of all his athletic accolades, his induction into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame in 2011 was the crowning achievement of his career and a milestone of which he was immensely proud.

Following his retirement from the National Football League, Jon transitioned into sales, owning a highly successful food brokerage business carrying his name, Jon Morris & Co. He also spent several years as a radio broadcaster for the Patriots in addition to a short stint on television.

In their later years, Jon and his beloved wife, Gail, enjoyed retirement in the golf communities of Bluffton, South Carolina, and St. Simon's Island, Georgia. In 2024, they relocated to New Hampshire to be closer to family.

Jon is survived by his wife, Gail; his son, Jack, and his wife Kristi and their children Jake and Cole; and his daughter, Jennifer, and her husband Mark and their children Faye and Nash. He also leaves behind his eight brothers and sisters: Cecy Durkin and her husband Bill, Ned and his wife Jane, Will and his wife Gina, Joe and his wife Ann, Rob and his wife Patty, Lee, Anne, and Meg and her husband Samad, in addition to a large contingent of nieces and nephews.

SERVICES:

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be sent to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism in honor of Jon’s grandson, Cole, who is on the autism spectrum.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Boscawen.

To view Jon's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.