Growing up, many boys wish to become an astronaut, firefighter, superhero or garbage man. For 30-year-old John Andrew Morris, his dream was to become a zoologist, which is far from his now reality, the most recently sworn-in Daviess County Deputy Coroner.
“When I started with death care and had assisted families who had lost loved ones, I really found joy in that service. I got to go home every day and know that I helped someone,” Morris said. “This, becoming a deputy coroner, was an extension of that service to the community in taking care of people who really need it.”
The coroner and deputy coroners are certified by the Commonwealth of Kentucky to conduct postmortem examinations per KRS. 72.405 (5) and are concerned with the investigations of sudden and unexpected, violent or suspicious deaths. Since 2011, Jeff Jones has served as county coroner and has three deputy coroners that work for him, including Morris, who was sworn in Tuesday.
“We try to give compassion and sympathy to the families when we are investigating the death of their loved one,” Jones said. “I think with John going for his training as a funeral director, he certainly has the knowledge, background and compassion in dealing with families during that time in which they are going through a very emotional event.”
Some may wonder if this line of work is depressing. For Jones and his team, they find fulfillment in serving the community. “I feel like it’s somewhat of a calling to be able to help families,” Jones said. “There are times when it can be very emotional and very sad, especially the times in which its an unexpected death or when youth are involved. Those can be very emotional. We’re all human beings so there is no way of saying it doesn’t affect you.”
That calling resonated with Morris as well.
“I do not find it to be depressing,” Morris said. “Obviously, there are instances when it’s tragic, but I try to stay positive on a personal level. It’s important someone is there to assist someone who is grieving and who have lost a loved one. If I can be there in that moment I want to do so.”
As a new deputy coroner, Morris will complete his 40-hour training in February and is required to pass a written test. Along with that comes annual continuing education.
As a young professional, Morris has hopes to serve the grieving community for years to come.
“For me, I don’t think my age has anything to do with it. I just happened to stumble into a field I have a passion for,” Morris said. “I think my age will give me an opportunity to serve the community for an extended period. Serving with integrity is something that is very important to me. I was born and raised here. I love Owensboro, I love Daviess County. I hope I can continue to serve with the integrity and respect that is required of the position for years to come.”
