Darryl Morris, a portrait

Photograph and article by Jake May (Jackson Citizen Patriot)

Darryl Morris might not have had the best of luck in the job market, but he's no quitter.

The Jackson resident worked for almost 14 years at Synchronous Manufacturing, an auto parts manufacturer. As the Detroit Three automakers struggled in 2008, smaller suppliers soon felt the effect.

In this case, it was Morris' job.

"I was hoping to retire from that place. When I got word, it was just devastating," he said. "It was a low blow. All the big companies were losing so many people. It was like a chain reaction. You'd think the little guys would be safe, but no."

After deliberating whether to find a new job or create his own, he decided to start a lawn-care business. He dubbed it Love and Blessings Landscaping, a name he created to show what he does, but more of who he is and what he believes.

Morris, 54, supplies customers with basic lawn-care needs, such as mowing lawns in the spring, summer and fall, and snow removal in the winter. He even takes on bigger jobs such as tree removal.

"My attitude on life is that you just can't give up on yourself because things happen in the world. That's out of our control," he said. "There's more to live for. You have to have a lot of faith, and that's what I carry with me every day."

At a glance ...

Name: Darryl Morris
Age: 54
Residence: Jackson
Family: Sisters Debra Hartman, 55; Darlene Morris, 53; Delvia Williams, 40; Tressa Marshall, 32; two sons, Darryl Robert, 33 and Shanty, 31.
Fun fact: Morris enjoys riding horses, and does so about three times each year.