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BORN
1967
DIED
2023
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Norman James Obituary
April 15, 1967 - October 28, 2023
Durham, North Carolina - Norman Edwin James Jr., 56 years young, passed away October 28th, 2023 surrounded in love by family and friends. Norman graduated from Northern High School in 1985, where he was an outstanding football player who was given the nickname of 'Nation' due to his wide back. He went on to play football at Gardner Webb. He was a diehard Washington Redskins fan, bled Tarheel Blue for Carolina, an avid golfer, and NASCAR fan.
Norman was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Inez 'Turk' James, his father, Norman E James Sr., brother, Morgan James (Jo), brother-in-law, Bill Smaltz (Jo), cousin, Joel Turbeville and beloved dog Jack.
He is survived by his sisters, Terry Nemargut (Bob), Fran James (Tracy), nephew, Robert Nemargut, nieces, Katie Nemargut (Leigh), Anna Paolella (John), Jordan Fullgraf-Hartman, cousins, Jerri Turbeville, Kelly Burney (Rhett), Allyson Chestnut (Bill), Robin James, Sherry 'Candy' Wilkins and beloved dog, Bailey. Special thanks to Charlie and Kelly Reaves; Barry and Kymb Williams; Jeff and Debbie Coffey; Lisa Pendergraph and Rio Padley; Kimmie Willett (Worth); Nikki Jones, Mark Berendsen and the Staff and Members from Umstead Pines at Willowhaven (NationStrong Fundraisers); David Bishop (Stitch Doctor); Nancy Brown (Merle Norman); Zack Veasey (Global Golf); Ward Clayton (Loopers: The Caddie's Long Walk); and his best friend from childhood, Gary Creech (Mary) and his very best friend 'Ride or Die', Debbie Cole. To all his Facebook followers your prayers, love and support made all the difference.
To know Norman was to love Norman. He inherited his mom's love for life and people. He had a wonderful soul and a huge heart and never met a stranger. He was funny and kind. He loved his family and all of his many friends. Kids were drawn to him, the big kid he was. He loved dogs and was considered the dog whisperer. His positive attitude and fighting spirit guided him through his cancer journey.
A Celebration of Life will be held in March 2024, date to be determined.
Please post condolences on Norman's Facebook page.
Thank you to the medical staff at UNC Cancer Center, Duke Regional Hospital and to the UNC Dental School for the outstanding love and care they gave to Norman and his family.
He was a true believer in the 'Man Up to Cancer' organization and also a supporter of animal shelters. If you would like to donate please consider these or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman James
Sponsored by American Cremation & Funeral Service.
Hilton Mitchell
November 16, 2023
I love you Nation! Enjoyed the football trips, rounds of golf and your laugh! See you soon my friend
Barbara
November 12, 2023
M Prayers And love goes out to his Family and friends during this difficult time, May God's Blessings give you comfort and peace
Brent Wilkins
November 11, 2023
Norman´s public and courageous fight against cancer will always be an inspiration to us all. RIP my friend.
Don Fish
November 9, 2023
A special person from a special a special family.
Thinking about you all!
Don Fish
Abbey Efird
November 8, 2023
So sorry to hear about this! We had some great times!
Regina Stephens
November 7, 2023
I proudly wear my Nation Strong hat in honor of Norman´s journey. My condolences to the family. Rest in peace Norman.
Joe Bullock
November 6, 2023
I was grateful to have known Norman . We had similar friends growing up in Durham but got reconnected because of cancer. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Nikki Myers Jones
November 6, 2023
Norman's vivacious personality and will to live will forever inspire me. The most profound statement he ever made to me in the entirity of our friendship was written in all caps on a white board in our last visits together, "We are Coers in Christ" There is no doubt of where he is in my heart. His spirit is gone from ys physically but his legacy of how he touched each of us permanently can never be wiped away. My deepest condolences
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