After a long and remarkable life filled with family, friends, accomplishments, laughter and service to others, John Philip Morrison died peacefully surrounded by family on August 7, 2026 at the age of 84. He was born June 1, 1942 in San Francisco, and grew up in Vallejo, California. In his youth he enjoyed spending summers on his grandparents’ ranch, hanging out with his car club, and devoting hours of practice time to become a ranked tennis player, a sport he enjoyed throughout his life. In 1960 John was admitted to UC Berkeley with honors and received his degree in Spanish and French. Following in his father’s footsteps, he went on to earn a Masters in School Administration at San Francisco State University.
His remarkable career in education administration began in Piedmont, and he served as Principal of the Middle School for 27 years. As a principal, Mr. Morrison understood that a successful school environment was far more than rules and discipline. In the days following his recent passing, it became abundantly clear just how many lives he had touched throughout his career. Former students, teachers, staff, colleagues, friends and members of the community remembered a man who was funny, kind, fair, and deeply heartfelt in the manner in which he cared for and mentored those around him. His students remembered him not simply as the principal, but as their principal. He had a knack for finding just the right thing to help students feel like they belonged — whether it was involving them in the AV club, playing ping-pong with them at lunch or advising them in the woodshop, just to name a few. Colleagues admired the community he built with his compassion and leadership. Teachers and staff respected his sense of fairness and humor.
John’s love of restoring old cars brought another community into his life. As president of the Horseless Carriage Club of America, he appreciated beautifully preserved automobiles and the lifelong friendships he made with people who were also passionate about them. What might have begun as a conversation about car parts at the swap-meet could quickly become a friendship that lasted for decades. He delighted in chauffeuring newlyweds in his beautifully restored 1905 and 1913 Cadillacs. His love of cars became part of Piedmont’s beloved tradition, the Fourth of July Parade. John helped organize and lead the parade of antique and vintage automobiles down Highland Avenue for many years and was honored to serve as Grand Marshall in 2001. It was a perfect fit for him: old cars, good friends, and an entire community gathered together.
As a member of Piedmont Community Church, he served on the pastoral nominating committee and participated in several home-building trips in Mexico, putting his Spanish fluency and handyman skills to good use. He also organized and bravely chaperoned several bicycling trips for dozens of local youth in England, France, Ireland and Holland. Each evening the groups cheered as he handily won match after match of ping-pong at the youth hostels, often landing tricks with his non-dominant hand or on his knees! Flashing his ever-present rascally smile, John also enjoyed entertaining international travelers by telling his famous dad jokes in English, French and Spanish. You can be sure he was laughing the loudest!
As meaningful as his career and extra-curricular hobbies were, it was John’s family that was the center of his life. His exuberant joy was ever-present whenever he spent time with his family. They were his everything. He was married for 43 years to the love of his life, Carolee. He was best friends with his brother, Lane, and adored by his sister, Polly. He was a beloved father, step-dad, grandfather, father-in-law and great-grandpa. He was Uncle John to many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Edwin and Pauline, and is survived by his wife Carolee Morrison, son Edwin Morrison (of Alameda), step-daughters Juliet Schiller (Matt) of San Anselmo, Denise D’Ambra (Mike) of Manhattan Beach, Nancy Steimle (Wes) of Piedmont, step-son Robert Strom (Vivian) of Modesto, fifteen adoring grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
It is easy to understand why so many people have their own connection and story about John. His life was not defined by one title or one accomplishment. It was defined by the people he gathered around him, the lives he helped, the friendships he made, and the laughter he brought along the way. John leaves behind more than memories; he leaves people who are better off because he had been a part of their lives.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2 p.m. at the John P. Morrison Gymnasium (Piedmont Middle School), 740 Magnolia Avenue, Piedmont.
Donations greatly appreciated in John’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, The Piedmont Educational Foundation, or The Piedmont Community Church.