Push to bring Jim Morrison's remains to Brevard County

Brevard Hall of Fame president spearheads effort

MELBOURNE, Fla. – The president of the Brevard County Hall of Fame is spearheading an effort to have legendary rock star Jim Morrison's remains brought back to Florida from Paris.

Born James Douglas Morrison on Dec. 8, 1943, at the former Brevard Hospital, the lead singer of The Doors is no stranger to controversy.

"The fact that he was born here -- I mean, seems like everybody knows that. Everybody knows that Jim Morrison was born in Melbourne, Florida," said John Tice, Brevard Hall of Fame President.

Tice said that he received word that officials in Paris were interested in returning Morrison's remains to the states after contacting the owner of Morrison's childhood home.

"The officials that own the cemetery in Paris offered his remains according to the owner of the house on Vernon street to bring him there," said Tice. "I talked to him real recent because I heard he reconsidered and he said no he's not going to do it. So I said well give me the contact information and I'd like to see what I can do."

Morrison left the United States for Paris after an arrest warrant was issued for him out of Miami for indecent exposure during a concert.

Tice said not everyone in Brevard County would support Morrison's possible return.

"I think it's going to be mixed reviews. I think some people will say, 'I can't wait.' I think other people will say, 'Shame on you,'" said Tice.

Tice said that it is his understanding that the lease for Morrison's grave site is almost up, and officials in Paris are concerned about vandalism near his memorial.

"If he can't be where he's at which is where he passed away, then I think he ought to be where he was born because where else would be better than that?"

Tice is still waiting to hear back from officials in Paris.


About the Author

Troy graduated from California State University Northridge with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. He has reported on Mexican drug cartel violence on the El Paso/ Juarez border, nuclear testing facilities at the Idaho National Laboratory and severe Winter weather in Michigan.

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