American Detection Specialists founder dies

Jim L. Morris, the founder of American Detection Specialists, died Nov. 21, two days before his 67th birthday.

Morris, who served as president of the company, died of a massive heart attack in his Springfield home after attending a staff meeting held at American Detection Monday morning.

Morris' son, Bryan, finance manager for American Detection, said there will be no changes in occupational titles for at least the next week.

“There is no replacing Jim Morris, but he did have a very solid and strong succession plan in place," Bryan Morris said. "In the coming days, it will be more clear as to how our company takes its next step.

"We are standing on the shoulders of a giant, and we are going to do well.”

Funeral services will be held 4-6 p.m. Nov. 26 at J.D. Lee & Sons Funeral Home in Rogersville, and a burial will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 2 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Morris' family is asking that donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or another charity in his name.

Morris had a long career in the security industry. He served as a police officer and a special investigator, and worked for three other Springfield security companies before branching out on his own, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

He founded American Detection, 440 S. Cavalier Ave., in 1989, hiring former co-workers Scott Pierce, who now serves as operations manager, and Carol Sutton, who retired a few years ago, said Pierce, who noted American Detection operated as a three-person company for most of its first two years in operation.

American Detection provides security systems for homes and businesses. The company's systems detect fire and carbon monoxide, provide surveillance and make lifelines available for people with health issues or disabilities, among other services.
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