James Michael Norris, age 70, of Autumn Ridge Rd., Hopkinton, NH, passed away peacefully in his home with his family by his side on Friday, August 29, 2025.
Born in Denver, CO, the son of the late James F. Norris and Eileen H. Norris (95), Mike was the beloved husband and best friend of his wife of 48 years, Deborah (Hagen) Norris of Hopkinton, NH.
He leaves two sons, Anthony Norris and his fiance, Rachel, of Manchester, NH, Joseph Norris and his wife, Zoe, of Concord, NH; sister, Kaeleen Buckingham and her husband, David, of Colorado; mother-in-law, Esther Hagen; brother- in- law, John W. Hagen and wife Jenny of Virginia, along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his brother, Jay Norris, and father-in-law, Albert R. Hagen.
Mike earned his Bachelors degree in Hydrology from Colorado State Univ. in 1978 and his Masters degree in Civil Engineering, also from Colorado State Univ in 1984. Mike was a dedicated public servant and greatly enjoyed his time working for the United States Geological Survey for 44 years. During his time with the USGS, he held a wide variety of roles, beginning as a scientist and going on to become the National Streamflow Information Program (NSIP) Coordinator. Protecting and preserving our natural water systems was not just his job, it was his passion.
Mike enjoyed being part of the community of Hopkinton: mentoring the Hopkinton HS robotics team, being a member of the Warner River Local Advisory Committee and participating in local fundraisers and community projects with his wife, Debbie, in Rotary.
Mike valued and loved spending time with his family, celebrating holidays, camping, kayaking and enjoying special events together.
He was a very talented photographer and woodworker. Many of his woodworking projects are on display in the family gardens and home. He valued and enjoyed his time being outside tending to his 12 acres of land.
A visiting hour will be held on Friday, September 5th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 158 Old West Hopkinton Road.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at the church with a reception following the Mass at the Church.
Burial will follow at 2:30 PM at the Old Hopkinton Cemetery, adjacent to the Town Hall.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the National Parks Conservation Association at Support.NPCA.org. Or, to Amedisys Hospice Care at 8 Commerce Drive, Suite 101, Bedford, NH 03110.
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