James Norris

Woodrow T. Wilson once postulated, “ There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed.” If any individual truly manifested this tenet in his daily acts and convictions, it was James William Norris. James devoted his life to the welfare of others – his beloved family, friends, and the students he guided, all benefited from the benedictions he imparted via his affirming words and selfless deeds. On March 7, 2022, the Lord called his dear champion, James, home to him. James was 84 at the time of his passing at the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House.

James was born on October 22, 1937, in Englewood, New Jersey, to the late James and Elsie Norris. After graduating from high school, James received both his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in social studies from Jersey City State College. Ever the scholar at heart, he went on to earn a second Master’s Degree in Administration from Montclair State University. Stemming from his own advanced educational pursuits, James’ passion for teaching and the imparting of knowledge and self-belief took root in a 36-year career as an educator at North Bergen High School. His acumen for his chosen profession was celebrated in 1992 when he was selected as the City of North Bergen’s Teacher of the Year. In June of 2000, James began his retirement, after holding his final position as the chairperson for the history department of North Bergen High School.

In 2001, he and his cherished wife, Connie, embarked on a new adventure – choosing to spend their “golden years” basking beneath the Florida sun in Palm Coast. James was an avid reader, who especially relished perusing a well-crafted Western yarn. Much akin to the saddled characters in his novels, his own pleasure was triggered by assorted hunting and shooting ventures, especially those on his dear Uncle Hugo’s property. As might be expected,then, upon his arrival in Palm Coast, he quickly became a member of the Flagler Gun & Archery Club, where nary a bull’s eye escaped his steady hand and eagle eye. James, or “Diddy,” as he was known by those closest to him, also enjoyed “penning raps” for his students, family and friends. Indeed, in the briefest of time, he could compose a rhyme that any listener would deem sublime.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. James’s survivors include: his wife of 55 years, Concetta (“Connie”); his daughter Melissa and her husband, Dr. Thomas Moulketis, and his son, James William Norris; his grandchildren, Logan and Kaitlyn Norris; his brother-in-law, Frank Parisi; and, many more loving nieces, nephews, relatives and wonderful friends. A memorial mass date and location will be announced in the near future.

James’s favorite author was Louis L’Amour. Unequivocally, his sentiments would echo those of James himself:

“When I die, remember what you knew of me is with you always. What is buried is only the shell of what was. Do not regret the shell, but remember the man. Remember the father.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.craigflaglerpalms.com for the Norris family.