Jim Norris '73
The St. Francis High School community would like to extend our condolences to the Norris family on the passing of Jim Norris '73, brother of Edward Norris '68 (deceased), Maripat Norris '70 Toye, Carol Norris '72 Hartzell, and Catherine Norris '79 Simpson (deceased) and nephew Brian Hartzell '08.
James Joseph Norris, age 69, passed away on December 17, 2024 in Grass Valley, CA, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Wheaton, Illinois, on April 25, 1955, to the late Ray and Mary Agna Norris.
After high school, James proudly served in the United States Navy, which gave him the opportunity to travel the world and experience new places. In his hometown, James met the love of his life, Diane, and they were married on August 18, 1979. Together, they built a home and a family in Wheaton, where they raised three beautiful daughters.
In 1996, James' career took the family to Rocklin, California, where they settled for the next chapter of their lives. James had many passions, including golf, home improvement projects, and working with his hands. He was particularly skilled at welding and woodworking, always seeking new projects to occupy his time. In recent years, he enjoyed gardening, spending time outdoors, and crafting intricate wooden model boats.
James' greatest joy came when he became a grandfather to Colton Bowen in 2019. He cherished every moment spent with Colton and was equally proud of his relationships with his other grandchildren, who entered the family by marriage. His laughter, wisdom, and larger than life presence will be remembered always. Whether spending time with his daughters and grandson, sharing stories with friends, or supporting his sisters, he left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane; his parents; his brother, Edward Norris; his sister, Catherine Simpson; and his grandparents, Ray and Euna de St. Aubin, and James and Nora Norris.
He is survived by his children, Melissa and James Bowen, Kristen and Michael Feuerherm, and Amy and Jason Nicholson. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Colton Bowen, James Bowen, Michael Bowen, Rebecca Nicholson, and Joshua Nicholson. James is further survived by his sisters, Maripat Toye, Carol Hartzell, and his brother-in-law, Bill Hartzell, as well as his nephews and nieces: Chuck Toye, Jim Toye, Brian McDonough, Katie Delehanty, Kelly Barrera, Kim Gregson, Brian Hartzell, Erin Simpson, Dan Simpson, and Grace Simpson.
A private Celebration of Life will be held on January 25, 2025, where family and friends will gather to honor James' memory and celebrate the life he lived.
After high school, James proudly served in the United States Navy, which gave him the opportunity to travel the world and experience new places. In his hometown, James met the love of his life, Diane, and they were married on August 18, 1979. Together, they built a home and a family in Wheaton, where they raised three beautiful daughters.
In 1996, James' career took the family to Rocklin, California, where they settled for the next chapter of their lives. James had many passions, including golf, home improvement projects, and working with his hands. He was particularly skilled at welding and woodworking, always seeking new projects to occupy his time. In recent years, he enjoyed gardening, spending time outdoors, and crafting intricate wooden model boats.
James' greatest joy came when he became a grandfather to Colton Bowen in 2019. He cherished every moment spent with Colton and was equally proud of his relationships with his other grandchildren, who entered the family by marriage. His laughter, wisdom, and larger than life presence will be remembered always. Whether spending time with his daughters and grandson, sharing stories with friends, or supporting his sisters, he left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane; his parents; his brother, Edward Norris; his sister, Catherine Simpson; and his grandparents, Ray and Euna de St. Aubin, and James and Nora Norris.
He is survived by his children, Melissa and James Bowen, Kristen and Michael Feuerherm, and Amy and Jason Nicholson. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Colton Bowen, James Bowen, Michael Bowen, Rebecca Nicholson, and Joshua Nicholson. James is further survived by his sisters, Maripat Toye, Carol Hartzell, and his brother-in-law, Bill Hartzell, as well as his nephews and nieces: Chuck Toye, Jim Toye, Brian McDonough, Katie Delehanty, Kelly Barrera, Kim Gregson, Brian Hartzell, Erin Simpson, Dan Simpson, and Grace Simpson.
A private Celebration of Life will be held on January 25, 2025, where family and friends will gather to honor James' memory and celebrate the life he lived.
St. Francis High School
2130 W. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone (630) 668-5800
Fax (630) 668-5893
Phone (630) 668-5800
Fax (630) 668-5893
