It is with great sadness that I share the passing of my dear friend and business partner, Jack Austin Morris, Jr., who passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, at the age of 86. Jack was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and a true leader in the American fine art community. He’ll always be remembered for his humor, generosity, and spirited love of life.

I first met Jack in 1993. He had come to Hilton Head on his honeymoon and brought artwork by Lee Jamison to be framed for his new condo in South Beach. I was a professional picture framer at the time. Jack found my frame shop, and I framed all of those pieces. The condo was small, and there were more paintings than walls. He handed me a price list for the remaining paintings and told me that if I could sell them, we’d split the money. That was how it all started.

More than thirty years later, we had owned and operated Morris & Whiteside Galleries, The Red Piano Art Gallery, The Charleston Art Auction, and The Hilton Head Art Auction, and helped found The Scottsdale Art Auction. Together, we logged countless miles delivering artwork, installing exhibitions, and consulting with fine art collectors from coast to coast. We had the privilege of working with some of the premier painters and sculptors of our time.

Jack was a mentor, a partner, and a true icon in the fine art world. His vision shaped so much of what The Red Piano Art Gallery and our auctions have become. More importantly, he was a kind and loyal friend.

Rest in peace, Jack. You are deeply missed.

– Ben and Lyn Whiteside