Morrison, Jack, 1922-1991

Biographical/Historical note

Jack Morrison was a central figure in the founding and growth of liberal Democratic and neighborhood organizations that came to dominate San Francisco's political life. Known as a grass-roots-citizen-politician who stood for principle, integrity, and comity in civic life, Morrison was a pioneer in urban environmentalism, leading successful fights to protect the San Francisco waterfront from overdevelopment and to increase accessibility to Golden Gate Park. He led the fight against downtown development and the move to tear down the Embarcadero Freeway. He also advocated for the less-fortunate.

Born in 1922 in Mustang, Colorado, Morrison grew up on a farm in Missouri, served in the Navy during World War II, and received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University. After completing a Master's degree in creative writing at Stanford University, he spent 10 years as a journalist with the San Francisco Chronicle, covering city and state government. Elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1961, he served two terms until 1969. As chairman of the Supervisors' Social Services Committee, Morrison authored legislation establishing the San Francisco Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Commission.

Following his years on the Board of Supervisors, he served on the Port Commission, the 1980 Charter Revision Committee (as Vice Chair), Social Services Commission, Mayor's Blue Ribbon Laguna Honda Hospital Long-Range Planning Committee, San Francisco Equal Opportunity Council, and the Governor's California Study Commission on Mental Retardation. He served on numerous boards including the Family Service Agency of San Francisco, YMCA, Council for Civic Unity, and San Francisco Tomorrow. He was also an instructor in urban policy and urban communication at San Francisco State University.

Morrison was married to Jane Morrison, who is a past Women's Chair for the California Democratic Party, past chair and current member of the San Francisco Democratic Party (County Central Committee), and past president of San Francisco Tomorrow. She also served 13 years on the City's Human Service Commission, chaired the Friends of Human Rights Commission, and was president of the Port's Waterfront Advisory Committee. Jane was the community affairs and editorial director for KNBR-NBC Radio for 17 years, managing groundbreaking affirmative action programs. A longtime champion for a cleaner environment, working families, and public transportation, she continues her advocacy for high-speed rail.

Jack Morrison died on Dec. 7, 1991. Mayor Art Agnos described Morrison as the "embodiment of public service…He always spoke to the values and principles that have made San Francisco known as a city of conscience and his contributions left this city better than when he found it."

From the guide to the Jack Morrison Papers, 1966-1969, 1962-1988, (San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library)