James Norwood, 85, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully January 14.
Jim was not a talkative man, but those who knew him well remember his dry wit and humor. He liked to joke that he was raised so poor that one Christmas, his Mr. Potato Head gift ended up as dinner.
Jim was born in Arkansas to Joe and Sylvia Norwood, the second of three children. His early years were shaped by moves across Arkansas as his parents ran cafeterias and small shops. From those beginnings grew a steady, hardworking man who valued responsibility, loyalty, and service.
He graduated from the University of Arkansas, one of the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree; Jim remained a lifelong Razorbacks fan, far preferring college ball to any NBA or NFL game. After college, Jim served as an officer in the United States Navy, with assignments in Asia, including a brief stint on the USS Prairie and two years on the USS Whitfield County. He carried his time in service with quiet pride.
Jim and his wife, Diane, settled in Fremont, California, where they raised their daughters, Amanda and Allison, and became deeply involved in Fremont Congregational Church. Jim served as treasurer for many years and especially enjoyed church activities like the annual Big Sur camping trip.
Jim built a long career in finance administration, working for defense and energy contractors throughout the Bay Area. His professional career started with more than a decade at Global Associates and concluded with his retirement in 2004 from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
In retirement, Jim and Diane moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, where they became active members of First Christian Church, once again serving their church community with generosity and commitment.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Sylvia Norwood; his older brother, Bob; and his younger sister, Sue. He is survived by his wife, Diane; his daughters, Amanda (George) and Allison; and his grandchildren, Rhys, Theo, Teegan, Hannah, Silas, and Charlie.
Jim was not a talkative man, but those who knew him well remember his dry wit and humor. He liked to joke that he was raised so poor that one Christmas, his Mr. Potato Head gift ended up as dinner.
Jim was born in Arkansas to Joe and Sylvia Norwood, the second of three children. His early years were shaped by moves across Arkansas as his parents ran cafeterias and small shops. From those beginnings grew a steady, hardworking man who valued responsibility, loyalty, and service.
He graduated from the University of Arkansas, one of the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree; Jim remained a lifelong Razorbacks fan, far preferring college ball to any NBA or NFL game. After college, Jim served as an officer in the United States Navy, with assignments in Asia, including a brief stint on the USS Prairie and two years on the USS Whitfield County. He carried his time in service with quiet pride.
Jim and his wife, Diane, settled in Fremont, California, where they raised their daughters, Amanda and Allison, and became deeply involved in Fremont Congregational Church. Jim served as treasurer for many years and especially enjoyed church activities like the annual Big Sur camping trip.
Jim built a long career in finance administration, working for defense and energy contractors throughout the Bay Area. His professional career started with more than a decade at Global Associates and concluded with his retirement in 2004 from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
In retirement, Jim and Diane moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, where they became active members of First Christian Church, once again serving their church community with generosity and commitment.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Sylvia Norwood; his older brother, Bob; and his younger sister, Sue. He is survived by his wife, Diane; his daughters, Amanda (George) and Allison; and his grandchildren, Rhys, Theo, Teegan, Hannah, Silas, and Charlie.
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