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James Harry Morton

James Harry Morton of Shelby, NC passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 10, 2021.

The eldest son of the late John Harry Morton and Elizabeth S. Eastwood, he was born in Charlotte, NC. A graduate of East Mecklenburg High School, he went on to attend Pfeiffer College to major in accounting.

Jim and his wife, Yvonne H. Morton, were united in marriage on November 14, 1958 and were married for 63 years. They were united not only in marriage and in the raising of their two daughters, but also in their business. He began his professional career with Commercial National Bank in Charlotte, which presented opportunities that brought him and his family to Gaffney, SC. In 1971, he formed Accounting Associates Business Services, which grew into Associates Bookkeeping and Tax Services, and later became Associates Tax Services. Always an entrepreneur and forward-thinker, he and his wife were one of the first to offer electronic filing services in Cherokee County when they opened a sister business, Electronic Tax Center, in 1990.

He loved his work and the clients he served, often commenting that, "Tax season was more like a family reunion" to him. Jim was an Enrolled Agent "licensed to practice before the Internal Revenue Service," and was a Lifetime Member of the SC Tax Council, where he also served on the board. He was an Accredited Business Advisor, an Accredited Tax Advisor, an Accredited Tax Preparer, a member of the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation, a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, and a member of the SC Society of Enrolled Agents.

Jim enjoyed leading various committees and serving as Church Treasurer for 28 years at his home church, Buford St. United Methodist Church, in addition to serving the community on the Cherokee County School Board.

Jim is survived by his wife, Yvonne, and their daughters Tina (Larry) McSwain of Gaffney, SC and Tressa (Scott) Ramsey of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren Brian (Angie) Beattie, Brandon (Casey) Beattie, and Thomas Morton, Mary Catherine and Lily Grace Ramsey; and great-grandchildren Arlee and Braden Beattie and Camille Beattie; a brother, Donald Morton of Oak Island, NC and sister, Stella (Ed) Morgan of Powder Springs, GA. Jim was preceded in death by his grandson, Bradford Thomas Beattie.

Jim Morton was a man who devoted his life to serving God, his family, and the community. He was known for his integrity, wisdom, and professionalism and fervently believed in always doing what was right.

Dr. Tim Sims of Bethel Baptist Church, Shelby, NC will conduct graveside services on Thursday, October 14 at 11:00 AM at Frederick Memorial Gardens 986 Chesnee Highway, Gaffney, SC. The family will receive friends following the service. Social distancing and masks are suggested.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Buford Street United Methodist Church, 120 E. Buford Street, Gaffney, SC 29340 or Bethel Baptist Church, 606 S. Dekalb Street, Shelby, NC 28150 or Bradford Thomas Beattie Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 673, Gaffney, SC 29342.

The family will be at their respective homes.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com


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