James R. Morgali, a respected professor of civil engineering at University of the Pacific who helped establish its engineering management program and supported students for more than 50 years, died Dec. 1 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stockton. He was 93.

Morgali began teaching at Pacific in 1961 in what was then the School of Engineering, teaching all courses required for the civil engineering degree alongside Professor Verne Harrison. He also led efforts to establish Pacific’s engineering management program. He served as chair of management engineering and advised all students in the program throughout the 1980s and into the mid-1990s. He later served as assistant dean.

The university recognized his exceptional teaching in 1979 with the Distinguished Faculty Award.

“Dr. Morgali led by example and embodied the student-centeredness that characterizes Pacific,” said Professor of Civil Engineering Camilla Saviz. “His efforts and leadership continuously focused on serving students.”

Morgali continued teaching even after retiring in 1999, first as an instructor for the surveying course in the civil engineering department, then as interim chair after Dr. David Fletcher retired.

He also continued caring for students after retiring. Supporting students in MESA—a math, engineering and science program—and underserved students defined his professional life.

“His commitment to Pacific—students, staff and faculty—was immeasurable,” said Professor and Chair of Engineering Management Abel Fernandez. “He cared about all of us, in ways seen and unseen. Even after formal retirement, Jim sought out MESA students, looking for at-risk students, calling them, talking with their instructors and helping them graduate.”

In 2015, Morgali led the effort to establish what is now the Civil Engineering & Engineering Management Scholarship Fund and became the largest single donor. The scholarship supports undergraduate civil engineering or engineering management students with unmet financial need. When asked in a 2023 interview what inspired him to give, even after retirement, Morgali said: “As far as Pacific goes, it’s the Pacific family. It’s only natural to support your family.”

He loved meeting students and was a fixture at scholarship appreciation luncheons. He was a passionate philanthropic supporter of School of Engineering and Computer Science students and exemplified Pacific Loyal—giving to Pacific every year for 54 years.

“Seeing him walk down the hall at age 91, asking about the health of the civil engineering department and the engineering scholarship and how many students received the scholarship spoke volumes about his deep care for Pacific and the students,” Fernandez said.

Morgali also significantly contributed to the field of civil engineering. His graduate work in hydrology continues to inform engineering practice.

“In addition to his many contributions developing and shepherding programs at Pacific, Jim was a brilliant civil engineer,” Saviz said. “Dr. Morgali and his graduate advisor, Dr. Linsley, developed an equation to characterize travel time for overland flow, a key concept in water resources planning and management.”

Morgali and his wife, Diane, were married for 48 years. They met at Stanford, where both graduated. They became members of Holy Cross United Methodist Church shortly after moving to Stockton, and over the years he held many roles at the church, most recently serving on the Board of Trustees and as board secretary.

He also strongly supported the Bugembe Women's Resource Centre in Uganda through the church. The church helped to establish the non-profit organization, raised money to build the center and raised annual operational funds. 

Morgali is survived by wife, Diane; sons, David and Daniel; daughter, Catherine; and grandsons Matthew, Jacob, Elijah, William and Frederic.

A memorial service will be held Jan. 3 at 1 p.m. at Holy Cross United Methodist Church in Stockton.

Gifts in his memory can be made to the Civil Engineering and Engineering Management Fund or by contacting Scott Biedermann at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.

Related: Morgali reflected on his time at Pacific in a 2003 interview with the Emeriti Society.