James Curtis Morgan was born to Ida Juanita Jones Morgan and Ellis James Morgan on February 3, 1930 in Coryell County, Texas. He graduated from Gatesville High School in 1948. After serving as drum major of the band he also served as drum major at Hardin Simmons University. He joined the Air Force in January 1951 and served for four years. When his Air Force service was completed he graduated from North Texas State University. After graduation he taught art in public schools, spending several years in Germany with Air Force schools and 33 years in Dallas Independent School District. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Maude Clapper and Vertis Turner and Virgil who died as an infant.