John Michael Morrison tragically passed away on August 12, 2019, at the age of 17. John Michael was born June 30, 2002 in Amarillo to Doug and Amanda Morrison. He attended Randall High School, where he ran track and cross-country. He worked at Jorge’s Mexican Restaurant and Greg Lair Buick GMC. John Michael was an avid car enthusiast. He loved driving and working on his car, knowing everything there is to know. Next to cars, he enjoyed running cross country and track, photography, gaming, music, and hanging out with friends. John Michael also loved his dog, Heidi. He was a faithful volunteer at Amarillo Fellowship in the children’s ministry and on the photography team. John Michael aspired to go to Texas A&M University.

John Michael was an avid long distance runner.  He started running in 7th grade at Westover Junior High.  It was a rough start for him as he was new to long distance running and not taken seriously.  But he knew he wanted to be like his older brother, Britin, who was a State long distance runner.  With Britin’s help and encouragement from other teammates, John Michael found his place on the Cross Country and Track teams.

During his Freshman year at Randall High School, John Michael had a successful season on the JV Cross Country team receiving several medals and placing 2nd at District.  His dream was to make the Varsity Cross Country team and make it to the State meet with them.  He spent the next summer training with the Spartan Track Club and traveled all over the state running in as many meets as he could to prepare for the next Cross Country season.  His hard work paid off and he earned his place as the number 5 runner on Randall’s Varsity Cross Country team.  Being on that team of upperclassmen was a big deal to JM.  Those boys took him in and as a team, they DID go back to State.  He also went on to excel in track the next spring by winning the 3200m & 1600m in the 5A JV District Track Meet.  During his Freshman & Sophomore years, he earned 22 medals and his Cross Country and Band Letterman.

Regardless of his team placement, he always kept his teammates close.  As Summer Cross Country training began, his teammates knew they could count on him for guidance and encouragement.  They were (and still are) a family.

In addition to his passion for running, he was also known for his quirky sense of humor, big smile, giant heart and the best hugs.  He enjoyed playing percussion in the band, gaming with his friends, spending time with his German Shepherd, Heidi, serving at church and cleaning & driving his Camaro.

After John Michael’s tragic accident, The Morrison Family decided to take all donations from friends and family and create a Scholarship Fund in his honor. In May of 2020, they awarded THREE $1,000 scholarships to Randall High School graduating seniors who ran Cross Country and shared John Michael’s passion for long distance running.

In July 2020, they held the Inaugural John Michael Morrison Memorial 5K Run/Walk which benefited the scholarship fund. The proceeds from this event allowed the Morrison family to continue to award scholarships.

Thanks to the success of the annual 5K and the generosity of numerous sponsors, friends, and family, the Morrison’s have awarded $135,000 to Amarillo area graduating seniors and past recipients continuing their post high school education.

In addition to scholarships, the Morrison Family “opened” John Michael’s Closet, a virtual shoe closet designed to provide quality running/training shoes for area athletes who are unable to afford them.  The Closet, funded solely through donations, presented its first pair of shoes to an athlete at Canyon Junior High in May 2024 and to date has provided new shoes to 12 area athletes ranging from 5th grade into high school. Coaches, teachers and counselors may nominate an athlete by submitting an application at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXiMfxGsuILD3g5nhg_FAtJDDSdgQOGEU8ZOTpTFxA9-Y0sg/viewform

The Morrison Family continues to seek opportunities to support the Amarillo Area Cross Country community as a way to honor their son’s legacy while supporting local student athletes who share his passion for long distance running.