Half's Page

J.W. Morton Nov.2,1947-Feb.10,1997

Jim was born and raised in Kingman, Kansas.
My Dad refered to him as the "Kansas Dude",and Dad was known as the "Montana Gaucho". They would always tease each other about who had the better cowboys, Kansas or Montnana.
He also worked at the Correctional Facility, in an Administrative capacity.

Away from work, was involved in the Cassoday Rodeo Association, we team penned together, trail boss for the "Cassoday Trail Rides", helping out friends with their cattle, or on the tractor mowing here at our place. We both were involved in the Cassoday Concerned Citizens and several Leadership organizations in the county.

One of the things Half and I had a great time doing in our spare time, was going to Cowboy Poetry gatherings. Got to meet alot of fantastic poets. Red Stegal, Phil Martin, Tom McBeth, Rod McCreary, Waddie Mitchell, Michael Martin Murphey, to name just a few, and our all time favorite Baxter Black. This man is so much fun to see in person. Your ribs get so sore from laughing.
Few years back, at a gathering in Wichita, got to visit quite a bit with him. He was messing with our camera and snapped a picture at arms length. Could say we got real close in that shot. It can be viewed onphoto page#2.

Guess you could say we had the best of both worlds. Worked in the city, but lived and very much enjoyed the country life.
He is still enjoying the country life and will always be a part of the canyon he and I went to during the summers riding the High country in Montana.
Heeheehee,I got that Kansas boy hooked on Charlie Russell sunsets.

This poem best discribes Jim...

Just Call Him a Cowboy

He works in the city, wears a suit and tie.
He makes a good livin, but he can't live a lie.
His competitive friends just don't understand
His longing for freedom,his love for the land.
Just call him a cowboy and you won't have to care
About the depth of his feelings or the length of his hair.
He admits that he's different and knows he won't fit.
He confesses he does things a good man would quit.
When folks see him comming, they just back away.
When they see how he's dressed they have nothing to say.
Just call him a cowboy and you wont cause a fight.
He can't get mad 'cause he knows that your right.
He owns an old horse and pays for his board.
His wife dosen't like it but she don't say a word.
He rides on the weekends whenever he can.
I guess that old pony is his closest friend.
Just call him a cowboy and then let him try
To live out his dream that never will die.
He's as much of a cowboy as he'll ever be.
He's as close to the real thing as you'll ever see.
He's fighting a battle that he'll never win.
The world won't change and he won't give in.
Just call him a cowboy and leave him alone--
He's learned how to live in a world of his own.
---Max Sidders

Amazing Grace.wav orAmazing Grace.ram
Music can be heard on real Player or wav format.
Complements ofCharles Littleleaf

This poem I found, helps to ease being with out him and the loss of other loved ones in my life.

MISS ME AND LET ME GO
When I have come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom -filled room
Why cry for a soul that's set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head held low.
Remember the love we once shared.
Miss me and let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone,
It's all apart of the Master's plan
A step on the road home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know,
And busy yourself in doing good deeds
Miss me , and let me go
--Author unknown

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