In Memoriam: James Morrison, 36

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- A memorial mass was held last week for James Morrison, a longtime employee at Del Ray's Evening Star Cafe, after he lost a battle with cancer. The restaurant held a fundraiser for Morrison, helping to raise more than $17,630. The following is Morrison's obituary, from the Woody Funeral Home in Midlothian:

MORRISON, James Thomas, 36, of Alexandria, Va., passed away September 27, 2016. James was born into a military family on April 22, 1980 in Honolulu, Hawaii to parents Thomas Allen & Karen Ann (Petit) Morrison who survive him. He is also survived by an older sister, Kelly Morrison Pop and husband Maximilian, and an older brother Douglas Morrison and wife Emily and niece/nephew Ella Grace and Wesley Allen.

He lived as a child in Charleston, S.C., San Pedro, Calif., and Springfield, Va. Growing up he loved swimming, skateboarding with friends, and played football, baseball, and soccer for various youth programs. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield where he was honored for his photographic talents. He attended Northern Virginia Community College where he graduated with an Associate's Degree.

His commitment to the food and beverage industry was very evident in his dedication to friends and patrons at the Evening Star Café where he worked for twelve years. He loved playing team sports - roller blade hockey, bowling and fantasy football-and enjoyed summers at the beach and pool.

He was a regular attendee at Washington National's baseball games and enjoyed watching Redskins football, LA Kings hockey and Liverpool soccer. He liked vegetable gardening, sharing his crops with housemates and friends and making creative culinary delights. James was founder of "Monday Taco Night" which under his tutelage grew to become a regular and much beloved affair in the Del Ray community of Alexandria. James will be especially remembered for his sense of humor and social acumen.

A Memorial Mass was held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday October 5, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 800 S. Cathedral Place, Richmond, Va. 23220. Online condolences received at woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.