A member of the Osage Tribe, he was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He spent most of his life in
Texas, receiving his BSME from Southern Methodist University. He also proudly served in the
U.S. Air Force.
James retired from a long career at General Electric, and spent his retirement years traveling
with the Packard Club and restoring antique cars and old clocks.
James is preceded in death by his beloved wife Avis, and his parents, Clarence and Minnie
Norton. He is survived by his sister, Adelaide Moore, his children, DeeDee Norton Hillmann (and
husband Tom Hillmann), James Norton Jr. (and wife Debra Norton), step-daughter, Sandra
Jones (and husband Alan Jones), grandchildren Erin Jones, Colin Jones, Emme Hillmann,
Cailey Hillmann, Jensen Hillmann, and great-grandchild, Belle Sophia.
The family wishes to thank the “angels” who helped to care for him during his last couple of
years: Shanelle, Deborah, Diane, Belinda, Janette, and Channel.
PawPaw, you will be loved and missed forever.
