James W. Norris Jr.

On August 20, 2022, James W. Norris Jr. (Big Jim) passed away at his home in Grove, Oklahoma at the age of 94. James is preceded in death by his Father James W Norris Sr., Mother Lucille Emery-Norris, Wife Willodean Norris, Son James W. Norris III, Sisters Norma June Holder, Mary Ellen Elliot. Survived by his brother Robert (Bob) Norris, Daughter Deborah Norris-Welliver and Husband Warren, Wichita Kansas, Grand Daughter Jennifer Norris and Aaron Hull Grove, Oklahoma, Grandson Michael Welliver Derby, Kansas. Numerous great grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was born in Springfield, Missouri May 20, 1928, to James W. Norris Sr. and Lucille Emery Norris. He spent most of his earlier years in Houston Texas. Jim moved with his Mother Lucille Norris, sisters June, Mary Ellen and brother Robert Norris to Marshall Arkansas. Jim would join the Army in 1946 where he would serve a year in Korea during the Korean War receiving an honorable discharge from the Army in 1947. Jim would return to Marshall Arkansas where he finished high school and started the romance with Willodean Horton, James was a gentle giant and Willodean was smitten for him and when Willodean spotted young jimmy at the local fair in Marshal Arkansas Willodean told her best friend Mary Ellis, she was going to marry that man in that uniform. Jimmy and Deborah never understood why he was in his uniform but that was the type of man he was the romance would begin with Willodean giving Jim a Valentine that led to courting and then a marriage on April 29, 1949, Jim Norris and Willodean Horton would be married, they would have 2 children a son James W. Norris III on February 16, 1950, and a daughter Deborah Norris-Welliver September 23, 1956. They would live in Wichita, Kansas where Jim would begin his journey with working for Boeing in 1952, he would retire in 1987 giving 35 years of service. He was part of the Machinist Union for 74 years he is a Mason in Albert Pike Lodge Wichita, Kansas and has been for 65 years. Jim and Willodean Norris would move to Grove, Oklahoma where they would build a beautiful home together along with other family members their legacy to be passed through the family. Jim and Willodean’s love affair would end after 72 years when he lost his best friend and the love of his life in 2021. He loved his family and would give the shirt off his back for his family and friends. He was a provider and a protector he was known as a “gentle giant”. Graveside services will be at noon Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Olympus Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services.

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James W. Norris Jr.

May 20, 1928 - August 20, 2022