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James Norton Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Norton
Garry Foreman
November 7, 2019
Jim was a good man and I think of him often. A great Union leader.
November 3, 2008
Vice President James J. Norton
August 01, 2001
Chicago, IL
Throughout his life, Vice President James J. Norton has faithfully and diligently served the members of his union, the Graphic Communications International Union (GCIU), and at the same time he has devoted his life and career to helping working men and women everywhere achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families.
Vice President Norton began his career as a skilled newspaper photoengraver in Boston, quickly becoming active and holding offices in his local union chapter where he eventually served four terms as local president. His talents soon led to his becoming a leader in the complex citywide negotiations for workers in the printing crafts industry.
Recognized by his national union for his skills, Norton was named as an international representative in 1963, with responsibility for more than 60 locals in 18 states. In 1978, he was elected recording and financial secretary of the Graphic Arts International Union, and he became its secretary-treasurer in 1981.
Always a strong advocate of the value of constructive mergers in his industry, Vice President Norton served on the committee that negotiated the historic merger of GAIU with the International Printing and Graphic Communications Union in 1983 to form GCIU. He served as national president of GCIU from 1985 until 1999. Under his leadership, the members of his union enjoyed achievements in wages, benefits, working conditions and training opportunities that empowered them to meet the challenges of their evolving industry.
Vice President Norton was first elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council at the federation’s 1991 AFL-CIO convention, and he has brought the same wise leadership and commitment to the value of a strong and vibrant labor movement to his service on the council, both in his leadership on key committees and in shaping national policy.
On behalf of the men and women of the unions of the AFL-CIO, the Executive Council expresses its thanks and appreciation to James J. Norton for his lifetime of service and devotion to the members of his union and to the men and women of the labor movement everywhere.
November 3, 2008
Statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney
The AFL-CIO family mourns the loss of Jim Norton, who did so much to lift the lives of America's working men and women.
From his earliest days in Boston as a skilled newspaper photoengraver, Jim brought intellect, integrity and an enormous capacity for leadership to his work. As a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, Jim was a wise man, a statesman and a uniter. He was deeply committed to the value of a strong and vibrant labor movement and he put his values to work for three decades for the Graphic Communications International Union and the AFL-CIO.
I will personally miss Jim's friendship and counsel, and our entire movement will miss his leadership. Our deepest sympathies go to his family and his union.
Kathleen Klempa
December 1, 2007
Bob, Teresa and Family,
Sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Klempa Family
Alma DeYulis
November 21, 2007
Dear Mrs. Norton & Family,
I am Madeline's mother. I want to express my sincere sympathy to you and tell you what a wonderful person Mr. Norton was, even tho I personally never met him. I pray for him every day and am so thankful for all he has done for my entire family. He helped my husband even after his death get Black Lung benefits from his many years working in the coal mines. He helped my daughter too in so many ways. He was a great friend to her and we will never forget his kindnesses. I have had 9 children so I know what confort they will be to you. God bless you all during this difficult time.
John B. Lynch III
November 20, 2007
Jimmy and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Please know that we think of you often. Love, John and Michele Lynch
Jackie Sousa
November 16, 2007
Very sorry for your loss
Mr. norton was a great man and coach.he tought me hockey.
your in our thoughts and prayers
Jackie Sousa and family
Anthony Caifano
November 15, 2007
Jim was a father to all printing trade unionists everywhere. I am proud to have learned so much from him and will carry his memory forever.
Garry Foreman
November 15, 2007
Dear Pat and family. Jim was a great Union Leader. He spoke of his family often. He will be sadly missed. I was proud to call him my friend. Garry Foreman & Family
Judy Silva Nee
November 15, 2007
Though it's been many years since I lived next door to you, I can still see the twinkle in your Dad's eye his disarming smile. I'm certain that same contented face will always be looking down upon his loving family, today and in all the years to come.
Peter Lochrie
November 14, 2007
Don, Kathy & Family-
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I hope that the thoughts of his love and strength will help you though this time of grieving. Please know that you are in our prayers.
The Lochrie Family
Kathy & John Vivona
November 14, 2007
Dear Pat, Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.May God bring you comfort & peace.
Paul Shanley
November 14, 2007
Ann Marie:
Sorry for the loss of your father. I know how important he was in your life.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Paul
Nancy Kesaris
November 14, 2007
Teresa,Bobby and Family, We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. We really enjoyed sharing the 4th of July with him and took pleasure in watching his firework display (he made everyone smile!). We're sending you a big hug, Nancy, Max and Christian Kesaris
Matthew T. Melanson
November 14, 2007
Much love and sympathy to the entire Norton family! He will always be remembered as a wonderful man!
Rosanne Giuliano
November 14, 2007
Dear Jim, Bobby and Family...I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad as we deal with the loss of our Mom suddenly 5 weeks ago. I'm sure you are all in shock. Please know that your Dad is now in the Lord's hand guiding and watching you all. Life has changed but your memories and love will help you make it through the days ahead. Stay strong, stay close and remember the love of your Dad is with you forever..
God Bless
Joseph L. Inemer Jr. Business Manager
November 13, 2007
Our sympathy to the Norton Family.
A great Labor leader who will be missed by all of the membership of GCC/IBT Local 16-N.
Joe & Alice Vitale
November 13, 2007
Dear Pat & Family:
We offer our deepest sympathy to you and family. We share in the grief of a great man and cherished friend. He left us with an indellible memory of warmth, loyalty and a passionate sense of duty to the Labor Movement..Goodbye for now to a great friend.
James J. Norton, shaking hands with President Clinton.
November 13, 2007
James J. Norton, at the podium.
November 13, 2007
During his time as President of the GCIU, Norton addresses new members.
November 13, 2007
James J. Norton
November 13, 2007
David Hart
November 13, 2007
Pat and family,
Jim was a a real education for me - he was sincere, smart, funny and a man of great integrity. I admired his accomplishments and his willingness to swim up stream. I am better for having known him.
Our thoughts are with you,
Sue and David Hart
Austin, Texas
Tom Hennigan
November 13, 2007
Pat and family: As you all can imagine, I considered him my second father. He was the most honorable man I have ever met in my public life. I will miss his leadership and his guidance in all aspects of my life, and especially the personal thoughts and prayers for my son. I will never forget him and I will see you all on Wednesday.
Victor Ciuccio
November 13, 2007
To the entire Norton Family,
Jim meant a lot to me, as he did you. His picture will always be in my dictionary next to the word courage.
Sr. Nancy Duffy,SND
November 13, 2007
Pat and family, Sr. Mary and Nonie,
My sympathy is extended to you all on Jim's death. May his legacy and wonderful values live on in all who knew him. I'll always remember his gentle self.
Blessings on you all,
Sr. Nancy
Dan Brush
November 13, 2007
Jim, you were a dear friend and well respected labor leader, As one of my first mentors in labor, I will miss your thoughtful advice and guidance greatly. I look forward to seeing you again when we meet in Heaven. God be with you my brother, Dan Brush
nancy McCarthy
November 13, 2007
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please let us know if there is anythiny we can do to help.
Love,
Bob,Nancy,Andrew and Molly Mccarthy
Vince and Carol Ann Occhipinti
November 13, 2007
You will truely be missed.
Mary & Don Atchison
November 13, 2007
Pat, Don & I are sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We know that he will be missed by all who knew him. He was such a kind man and we have such fond memories of him to keep with us always. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
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