James Morrison was born in the rural village of Savage Harbour, Prince Edward Island. He was educated at the Charlottetown Normal College and at St. Dunstan's University from 1882–1884. He attended the Urban College of the Congregatio de Propaganda Fide in Rome from 1884–1889. Ordained for the Diocese of Charlottetown, Morrison held numerous positions, including Rector of St. Dunstan's University, 1892–1895, Vicar-general, 1904–1912 and formal diocesan administrator, 1911–1912.
