You only water every other month?? Does it receive any natural rainfall? Where are you located geographically?

I suspect the tree is dying or has died of thirst and likely lack of nutrients as well.

Usually water it once per month or so with soaker hose in planter. Been doing that for 14+yrs ...dying of old age maybe.. lol. Been beautiful for 14+ yrs. Someone suggested to me it may be root bound. Considering moving it from planter to the yard. However, now is not the time of year to be moving plants. Located in Raleigh,NC.

JM's can live 100's of years so I doubt that is the issue :-) It could be root bound, it could be suffering from nutrient deficiencies or it could have succumbed to a disease brought on by stress. I will say that once per month is likely not sufficient water, particularly if the tree is root bound. It may just be demonstrating the results of over a decade of mistreatment. There is adequate drainage in this planter, I assume??

I would not hold out a lot of hope for this poor tree. If it doesn't push out any new growth this season and you do not see any signs of healthy buds in the fall, I wouldn't bother trying to move it. It is most likely dead.

Thanks for the info. I will increase the watering (maybe too late now). My wife wants to call an arborist. I told her no need, cannot move it now anyway. I will do as you suggest. If new growth appears, I will move it this Fall.