James A. Norton

Jan. 17, 1927 - Mar. 7, 2013
MISHAWAKA - James A. Norton, 86, of Mishawaka, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 7, 2013, in Catherine Kasper Life Center, Donaldson, after an extended illness. He was born January 17, 1927 in Lebanon, Indiana, to the late William H. and Frances M. (Liebhardt) Norton. He was a longtime resident of Mishawaka, having moved with his family to the area in 1929. Jim is survived by two daughters, Sister Patricia Norton and Lauren Norton Master; two sisters, Martha Miller and Mary Ellen Maenhout; four grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delphine M. (Stachowicz) Norton, in 1984. Jim retired in 2003 at the age of 76 and was a life-long member of the Local Operating Engineers. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. During World War II he served his country in the U.S. Army in the Philippine Islands and was a lifetime member of VFW #360 in Mishawaka. Jim was a benefactor and lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He was an avid high power rifle and pistol shooter who competed for 26 years at Camp Perry, Ohio, and until very recently was a skeet shooter. He was dearly loved by his family and will be greatly missed. He loved being a grandfather and great-grandfather, delighting in the time spent with the children. Friends may spend time with Jim's family on Sunday, March 10, from 3:00 - 7:00 pm EDT, in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where a memory service will begin at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 11, at 1:00 pm EDT, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street (corner of South Mill and West 3rd), Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice. An online guest book with the ability to share memories and condolences with Jim's family is available at www.goethalswells.com.