James Norris

James Thurston "Pete" Norris was born at home in Lily, Florida, in March of 1930 to James Benjamin and Mamie Loraine (Davis) Norris. He attended Limestone School and later Hardee High School where he was a school bus-driver (yes) and a superlative athlete in all sports.

After graduating high school, James did a short stint in the Army during the Korean War. At basic training camp, he became ill and was given a medical discharge. When he recovered, he attended the University of Florida briefly and became a lifelong Gator fan.

He met the love of his life Ann Anderson at a mutual friend's barbeque. They eloped in 1953, the beginning of their 50-year marriage.

At the age of 22, he began working for the State Road Department / Department of Transportation where he worked his way up through the ranks to become chief engineer on road projects. You have probably driven on the road builds he supervised if you live in the area.

Coming from a farming heritage, he also grew orange trees (that paid for his children's educations) and kept gardens and livestock.

Many families and friends over the years have enjoyed the bounty of his green thumb.

James and Ann produced two children: Gail (Tim) Rieckhoff and Jimmy (Brenda) Norris. But his real loves were his granddaughters: Jenalee, Kaylee, and Jaime who were spoiled rotten by their Pop.

Sundays, you could find him at First Baptist Church of Arcadia where he was a member since 1959 when the family moved from Moore Haven. He read his Bible daily until his eyes failed him later in life. Those of us who knew him are confident he is now with the Lord, reunited with loved ones who have gone before.

James' passions over the years have included baseball, basketball, football; stock-car racing, as a part owner of a racecar; cruising with Ann from Hawaii to Alaska to the Caribbean and Europe; Pets included dogs and cows; Food (thanks to all the neighbors and friends who brought him meals in the later years); and always the cigars.

James was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Gwendolyn Walters; brothers: Duane, Bob, and Allen Norris; and his wife Ann.

The family would really like to thank Dad's "Angels" on earth: Monica, Tiffany, Donna, Catherine, Phil, Staff of Desoto Memorial Home Health, Al, Elmer & Nancy, Marvin & Nancy, Lois, Norma Jean, Pastor Sam & Miss Lisa, Dr. Rahija, and all of you who have reached out with prayers, calls, food, and visits.

In Lieu of Flowers, please make donations to:

One More Child / Florida Baptist Children's Home in Lakeland

Tidewell Arcadia Hospice House