Dr. James Norman

Uncle Seward writes to his sister, Hazel, "I sure laughed when I read Mother's letter. She said, 'There is rejoicing in the house of Norman's. It seems that a boy was quite alright." –January 1930

James Warren Norman was born January 18, 1930 to William and Hazel (Wilson) Norman in Crawford, Nebraska. He was one of 7 children, 5 of which were red-heads!

Jim moved to NE Wyoming at the age of 8 where he and his family homesteaded, ranched and raised sheep. Jim's oldest sisters were his teachers for many years in a one-room school house (see his 8th grade report card). He and his siblings rode to school on the back of a draft horse and kept warm by a pot belly stove in the middle of the room. Jim fondly spoke of the imaginative and creative teachings of his sisters. This may be where he obtained his love for teaching.

Summers meant sleeping in a sheep wagon tending sheep. His family replenished his food weekly. Jim spent much of his time developing his passion for knowledge through reading. Snowy winters in Wyoming could cut you off from town for weeks at a time so, in high school, Jim boarded in town during the week and went home on weekends if the weather permitted.

Jim graduated from the University of Wyoming in June 1951 with a B.S. degree in agriculture with plans to return to the family ranch. Instead, Jim joined the Air Force. Stationed in Newfoundland, Jim was one of the only enlisted men who could type, so he was in demand. He requisitioned parts and repairs – he was the original 'MASH' character, "Radar". 'MASH' was always one of his favorite shows.

Country dances were common in rural Wyoming. This is where Jim met and fell in love with a young girl named Betty Underwood. She had come with someone else but, also fell for Jim. Betty was in her first semester at the University of Wyoming when Jim drove all the way from Gillette to Laramie to bring her home for Christmas vacation. They were married that March 1954.

Jim and Betty's first child, Terry, was born June 21, 1955 with daughter, Jamie, arriving March 7, 1957. The Normans ran a drive-in making hamburgers and soft ice cream in Gillette and later moved the drive-in, building and all, to Douglas, Wyoming.

Jim took a job with New York Life selling insurance and moved his new family to Laramie. A third child, Katie, was born June 18, 1961. Jim was hired to manage the insurance office in Casper and moved again.

1965 saw the biggest change yet for the Normans. They moved to California and settled in Fresno. St. James Episcopal Cathedral became the family's social hub. Jim served on the vestry for many years and was Senior Warden a number of times. Betty was the Sunday School Superintendent.

Jim and Betty purchased a stately old house in Clovis, California and lovingly restored it. It is the place we all still call "home" (see photo album). Jim was a gentleman farmer" at this time raising grapes, oranges, and a cantankerous goat named 'Annabel'. He also enjoyed the occasional agricultural fire that usually threatened nearby structures.

Jim enjoyed snow skiing, biking, jogging, swimming, and camping with his kids. We have fond memories of the fun we had with him; especially when 24 frogs broke through their paper sack and crawled under his gas pedal while driving home from Yosemite.

Jim's life of service continued as he joined Kiwanis Club in the late 60's. His ranching background made him the prime pick to head up the volunteers for the 4H livestock sale at the fair each year. In 2010, Jim was awarded the "Legion of Honor" for 40 years of service as a Kiwanian.

Jim made a change in his life once again. At the age of 53 he decided to attend Palmer College in Sunnyvale, Calif. and become a chiropractor. He opened a practice in Fresno in 1987 and served the public for 10 years. Semi-retired, Jim saw patients at home for several more years.

Parkinson’s disease raised its ugly head in 1999. Experimental drugs, progressive treatments, and Betty's loving care gave Jim a quality of life for a number of years. Jim and Betty sought out support groups and modified their home to make life as easy as possible.

The slowing of Jim's pace allowed for more time with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim always spoke of his memories of having lots of cousins, lots of banter and lots of fun. The grandkids and great grandkids provided the same atmosphere for him.

Jim's humor was never lost in the midst of adversity. A week before his passing, when a grandchild asked how he was he mustered a smile and said, "I've been better."

Jim's son, Terry, precedes him in death. We miss them both but, rejoice knowing we will see them again in Heaven.

Written by Jamie (Norman) Hancock

Arrangements under the direction of Lisle Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.