James F. “Jim” Morton is a Professional Engineer and principal in Morton Engineering, a partnership with his son David. He worked with Wachovia Bank as Chief Construction Engineer and with several other architectural and construction concerns in his career. Jim graduated in 1956 from NC State University with a Civil Engineering Degree. He was commissioned in the US Navy Civil Engineer Corps and served in reserve and active duty capacities as Director of Construction in Vietnam , and Officer in Charge of Construction in Norfolk , Washington , DC and Yorktown , VA , retiring as Commander.

In Rotary, Jim currently serves as District Governor for Rotary District 7680.  He has been a Rotarian since 1983, serving 3 terms as President of the China Grove Rotary Club and twice receiving the Club’s Distinguished Rotarian Award. He has served the District as Assistant Governor. He and his wife, Shirley, are both Paul Harris Fellows and Jim is a Benefactor of The Rotary Foundation. They are active in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. 

In other civic endeavors, Jim has led the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, China Grove Board of Trade, and been active with the Rowan County EDC,  the  local Tourism Authority, YMCA, Scouts, and Little League. He  was Mayor of China Grove for 10 years.