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James Norris Obituary
April 7th, 1920 - July 27th, 2014
James W. Norris was born in Valley City, North Dakota on April 7th of 1920 to William Melville Norris and Mable Louise Norris. He attended college at the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks.
James moved to Santa Barbara in 1952 when he became a partner at Ogilvy, Gilbert and Morse Insurance agency. When he retired in 1998 as President of Ogilvy, Gilbert, Norris and Hill, the company was one of the most respected insurance agencies in Southern California.
He had two wonderful wives, the first being Dorothy Lou Martin, whom he married in 1944. Dorothy died suddenly in 1963. In 1964, he married Lida Ann Martin.
With his two loving wives, James raised two children, Victoria Ann Marrin and James Barnum Norris.
James W. Norris was very active for many years in insurance association work, having been past President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Santa Barbara as well as the Independent Insurance Agents of California.
He was Chairman of the Sycamore Fire Committee, which gave guidance to those who lost their homes in the Sycamore Canyon Fire of 1977. He also assisted many families that lost their homes in the Painted Cave fire of 1990 in obtaining additional payments from their insurance companies.
He was a recipient of the Ramsden Memorial Award, the highest recognition given by the Insurance Brokers and Agents of the West.
James W. Norris also gave freely of his time to assist non-profit organizations. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara for 45 years, and was their "Man of the Year" in 1969. He had served as Chairman of the Tri-Counties District of the Children's Home Society, and as Director of the American Red Cross, Boys Club of Santa Barbara, the Better Business Bureau, and the Music Academy of the West.
He was also Director of the Santa Barbara Cemetery from 1965 until just a short time before he passed.
James W. Norris was admired by everyone who knew him, and was well-loved by his friends, and especially by his family.
He is survived by his daughter and son, Victoria Ann Marrin and James B. Norris and grandson Mark James Linder, who miss him dearly.
Grave side services take place at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, August the 6th. Friends and acquaintances are encouraged to come and pay their respects to this remarkable man.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Norris
July 24, 2015
My condolences to the family. May God's word bring you comfort during this difficult time (Psalm 91;15).
Linda Kerestesi-McKinley
August 16, 2014
Vicky, Thank you so much for your phone call. I am so sad. I have such loving memories of Uncle Jim and the time we all spent together growing up. What a trio he, my dad, and Bob Willis were! Such intelligent, charming, fun men! I always looked forward to hearing from him at Christmas. I know how much you'll miss him but I know my dad is happy to have his friend by his side again. Love, Linda
Linda McCue
August 5, 2014
A wonderful employer, a man who always attempted to promote the welfare of others, a true gentleman. JWN, you will be missed.
Mark Shipp
August 5, 2014
Jim was a true gentleman. A great citizen .. He was commited to helping others. He was highly thought of in the insurance profession on a state and national level. I feel honored to have known him. We will miss him.
Mark Shipp,
Former President of Ogilvy-Hill Insurance
August 5, 2014
What an amazing man! I had the priveledge knowing him while I was employed at Ogilvy Gilbert Norris and hill Agency! Alexandra Sfaelos Iorio
Nancy Meriwether Underwood
August 5, 2014
I will truly miss you. You were the greatest boss for over 40 years.
Shelley Dudder Rose
August 1, 2014
I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was the true definition of a gentleman. A kind and generous man and a loyal friend. My parents were truly blessed to call both he, and Ann, dear friends and wonderful traveling companions.
Mike Wilson
August 1, 2014
I benefited greatly from knowing Mr. Norris. He was a rock at Santa Barbara Kiwanis. I will always remember his kindness and generosity of spirit. He treated everyone with respect and dignity; it didn't matter to him if you owned the building or were serving food at the table. They don't make too many men or women like him anymore. I will never forget him.
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