Arthur James Morgan, 78, died on January 3, 2014 at Augusta Health hospital in Fishersville, Virginia. Originally from Scarsdale, New York, Arthur was born to Charles and Isabel Morgan on September 12, 1935. His parents, brother and sister had pre-deceased him.

Arthur had been an executive with Morgan Manhattan for 30 years. Founded by his family in New York City in the 1800's, the company was at one time the largest moving and storage company in the world. ‘Art’ lived with his wife in Connecticut and Florida prior to their moving to Staunton, Virginia 11 years ago. 

Art graduated from Catholic schools, LaSalle Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He taught cross-country navigation as a flight instructor in the U.S. Navy. Art loved the sea and salt water fishing and was well known for his keen sense of humor. In his 70's, he read nearly a book a week. He  frequently mentioned his love of learning.

Art played baseball and football and coached youngsters in the Pop Warner league. He became a very accomplished golfer and played in many amateur tournaments. In his 20’s, he competed with an exciting 16-year-old golfer named Jack Nicklaus. Later in life, Art founded the noteworthy “Rug Beaters” golf team in Westchester County, NY. 

In retirement, Arthur pursued his abiding passion for fine art. In the 1990’s, Art attended the Lyme Academy art school in Lyme, Connecticut. He devoted much of his time during retirement to painting and studying painting techniques and the science of color. When painting indoors, he typically painted to a wide range of background music that included opera. He wrote two articles about painting which were published in Artist Magazine.  Art worked indoors in his studio until the nice weather when he often painted 'plein air'.  When living in Florida, he would take with him Roy, his protector, pal and 'the dog of a lifetime' to paint outdoors on location. (Art named the dog in honor of Roy Orbison.) Art had several showings of his artwork which included oil and floral landscapes, still lives, historical buildings, barns and architecture. Most recently, he enjoyed painting antique automobiles, a steam-engine train, the chrome mechanics of fancy motorcyles.

Arthur is survived by his wife of 25 years, Katherine, and four children: Anne,  Patrick, Mary Morgan Jordan, Brian. Eight grandchildren called him Grandpa Art. Arthur treasured his family and will be profoundly missed. 

Art strongly believed that no human being should go hungry. Please direct any charitable donations in his memory to your local food bank. 

 

P.S. Another section of this website features photos of Arthur and some of his many paintings. Artist Diane Aeschliman of Killingworth, CT painted the wonderful portrait of Arthur which is included in the series.

 

 

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