Dr. James C. Norden

Dr. James Clarence Norden passed away June 25, 2025 at age 85. He is survived by his sister Sharon Vigh and brother David Norden; daughters Kimberly Norden and Tamara Brognano; grandchildren Logan (Denise) Ignatowski, Max Ignatowski, Victor Ignatowski, Joseph (Breanna) Brognano, Patrick Brognano, and Carolyn Brognano; great-grandchildren Olivia, Henry, and Vincent; nephews, niece, grandnephews, grandnieces, and great-grandnieces; and dear friend and companion Nancy Dexter-Schabow. He also leaves behind Heidi, his gentle Sheltie.

Jim was born on September 20, 1939 to Clarence and Johanna Norden in South Haven, Michigan, the oldest child in a family that would grow to include younger siblings Sharon and Dave. As a child, he showed an affinity for music and took piano lessons from a teacher who lived just down the street. After graduating high school, he pursued Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Michigan State University, where he met and married Anne de Vroome. Jim’s family grew to welcome daughter Kimberly during his time teaching at Southwestern State University in Oklahoma, and daughter Tamara during his time pursuing his DMA at the University of Iowa. While finishing his doctorate, he taught at UW-Eau Claire, and then joined the music faculty of Alverno College in Milwaukee, where he would remain until his retirement in 2004.

As a piano adjudicator and clinician, Jim became involved early in his teaching career with the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). He served that organization in a variety of capacities over his long career, culminating in his election to the office of president of the organization in 1993.

Even beyond his retirement from Alverno, he continued to teach piano, both as an adjunct at Cardinal Stritch University and Wisconsin Lutheran College, and privately from his home – right up to the current day. A student once gave him a plaque proclaiming one of his favorite sayings: “I teach music, not notes.”

Jim was an active member of the Milwaukee music community, performing with the Wisconsin Chamber Players and as a collaborative pianist with many soloists. He produced and performed in numerous chamber music recital series over the years, including programs at Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch University, and several churches. Jim also served several congregations as choir director, including tenures at New Life Community Church, Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church, United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, and St. Boniface Episcopal Church. As he neared retirement, he found yet another way to contribute to the musical life of his community – by directing several German choirs, including the Schwaben Männerchor and the Milwaukee D.A.N.K. Chor.

In retirement, Jim enjoyed traveling, in particular touring through Europe, where he found great joy in visiting ancient churches and cathedrals, particularly in Germany and Austria. A man of faith, a talented pianist, an inspiring choir director, and a great teacher, he will be remembered with fondness by the many people whose lives he touched with his music, humor, and kindness.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Max A. Sass & Sons Mission Hills Chapel, 8910 W. Drexel Ave., Franklin, WI, on Saturday, July 26 from 1 - 4 PM. Your thoughts and remembrances are appreciated and sufficient, memorials are not necessary.