Legacy of an Oxford Icon: Remembering a Legend, Johnny Morgan
John Jordan Morgan, affectionately known as Johnny Morgan, was a man whose life painted the canvas of his community and the state of Mississippi with vibrant hues of generosity, friendship, and vision. His journey, tragically cut short on May 17th, 2023, continues to resonate deeply within the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched. Johnny Morgan, doing what he loved more than anything in this world, was piloting his King Air airplane when tragedy struck last May during landing in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The news of his crash sent shockwaves through our community and the state of Mississippi. Speaking of him in the past tense will never feel right, for his spirit and passion for life continue to resonate within us, forever alive in our memories.
Johnny's roots ran deep in Oxford, Mississippi, where he spent his entire life as a proud Oxonian. His alma mater, the University of Mississippi, held a special place in his heart, evident in his unwavering loyalty and passion for all things Ole Miss. As an alumni, he bled the iconic red and blue colors of the university, embodying the spirit of a true Rebel. More than a successful businessman, Johnny was a cornerstone of friendship, family, and community. His family, both by blood and by choice, formed the bedrock of his life.
Johnny's generosity knew no bounds. Whether quietly aiding a neighbor in need, spearheading community initiatives, or advocating for legislative changes that would benefit all Mississippians, he left an indelible mark of kindness and compassion. His humility was as remarkable as his impact, often preferring to work behind the scenes, ensuring that others' success and well-being took precedence over personal recognition.
Johnny Morgan was a master storyteller, a trait inherited from his legendary father, Eddie Mack Morgan, and his Uncle Shine Morgan. Their storytelling prowess was renowned, passed down through generations, making Johnny a captivating presence in any gathering. His parents, Eddie Mack and Beryl Morgan, hailed from the Mississippi Delta and found each other at Ole Miss, laying the foundation for their family in Oxford's Avent Acres.
The Morgan Towers on North Lamar Boulevard in Oxford run deep, rooted in Johnny’s family's history and his vision for the future. The site where The Morgan now stands was once home to the Oxford Laundry, owned by Johnny's father. When Johnny embarked on developing this property, his initial plan was to create an office space for the Oxford branch of MorganWhite Group. However, recognizing the potential for something greater, I encouraged him to transform it into a mixed-use building.
Being part of the planning and marketing process for The Morgan was a joy and delight. Witnessing Johnny's pride as his family name adorned both towers was a testament to the legacy he was building. It was more than a project for Johnny and myself, it was a symbol of his commitment to his roots and his community. Assisting in bringing Johnny's design vision to fruition was not just a tremendous learning opportunity, but also a source of immense pride as we witnessed the project's completion
In 1987, he and his close friend and business partner David White embarked on a remarkable journey by founding MorganWhite Group, an insurance brokerage that would eventually grow into a national insurance enterprise covering all 50 states.Their story began long before the inception of MorganWhite Group, back in their college days at Ole Miss where they were members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Their friendship blossomed further as they lived together in Jackson after college, sharing not just living space but also a deep bond of camaraderie and shared ambitions.The early days of friendship and partnership were marked by countless hours spent at Harlow’s Donuts in Jackson, MS, where over coffee, many millions were lost and earned with out one dollar leaving the table.
Johnny Morgan had a deep passion for politics, once sharing with me, “if you're not involved in politics, it's still involved in you”. He emphasized the importance of staying informed about local, state, and national issues and encouraged active participation through voting. While he may not have seen himself as a mentor, he was exactly that and much more.
His political journey included serving as State Senator from 1984 to 1992, representing Lafayette, Yalobusha, and Calhoun counties. Later, he was elected to the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors for District 2, where he served as President of the Board for several years.
One event close to Johnny's heart was the Good Ole Boy's and Gals cookout, an annual gathering that originated in Oxford in 1990. In the late 80s, he was invited by Jim Owens, a close friend, of New Albany to an event called The Grove of Trees, hosting law enforcement, state officials, and local government for a cookout, with Audie Randle as the host and MC. When Audie fell ill, Jim asked Johnny to take on the role of MC, leading to the shift of this political event to Oxford, where it flourished under Johnny's guidance. His love for government extended to every facet of public service, making a lasting impact on the political landscape.
Johnny Morgan was a savvy and meticulous businessman. He approached decisions with careful research and sought advice from like-minded individuals, embodying the philosophy of learning from those who had walked a similar path. His mentorship was invaluable, teaching me to seek guidance from experienced professionals and to remain open to differing perspectives while staying true to my convictions. Johnny's strength of belief and willingness to listen, even in disagreement, made him truly exceptional.
He leaves behind his brother Chip Morgan, and a huge chosen family of friends like Jim Owens who he shared his love of politics. Johnny Morgan had a keen eye on the local Oxford political scene, often staying informed through his cousin John Morgan. Johnny took immense pride in Sam Morgan, John's son, starting his career at MorganWhite Group in Jackson. Johnny cherished his time with Jimmy McClure, the judge, as they never missed a gun show together. He also had a strong connection with James Jones from Arkansas, who understood him like no one else. Johnny rarely missed joining the Tuesday coffee crew at the Beacon, where he soaked in local news and gossip. Johnny also relished catching up with his crew at the local airport, a group of men with whom he enjoyed staying connected and gathering information. Another passion of his was taking trips to Destin, FL, especially with Ed Morgan or anyone else willing to join him for a "guys' trip."
He was a constant presence in my daily life, one of the first calls I made or received each day. I deeply miss him and cherish the memories we shared. There will never be another like him, and I am forever grateful for the business acumen and tools he imparted to me.
Johnny Morgan had his hands in everything. No rock went unturned. He was a man that cannot be replaced. His legacy of giving will continue through the Johnny Morgan Foundation supporting endeavors that were near and dear to his heart his community, church, and alma mater. He was loved by so many and left a legacy that will live on forever.
