John C Norcross

Colonel Norcross began his military service in 1952 after graduating from Texas Technological University in Lubbock, Texas, with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Over the course of a distinguished 30 year career in the US Army Signal Corps, he continued his education, earning a Master’s degree in Education from Boston’s Northeastern University, an MBA from Augusta State University in Georgia, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Georgia in Athens. He was also a graduate of the US Army War College and the Armed Forces Staff College.

During his military career, Colonel Norcross served as a battalion commander in Germany and as the Joint Staff Signal Officer for the Taiwan Defense Command. His final assignment was at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he served as the Army’s system manager for tactical satellite communications. In that role, he oversaw the development of six major satellite communications programs and guided the early development of what would become the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Colonel Norcross served in combat during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His decorations include three Bronze Star Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and numerous additional service and campaign medals. He also received commendations from the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Vietnam, and the Republic of China.

Following his retirement from active duty in 1982, Colonel Norcross continued his commitment to education and public service. He spent ten years on the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia as an assistant professor, teaching continuing education in the School of Allied Health Sciences.

He is survived by his wife, Ursula, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage; his sons, John Christian Norcross of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Michael Norcross of Houston, Texas; his daughters, Erika Kirkland of Birmingham, Alabama and Shirley Ortega of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Funeral services and burial will be held at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo at 11:45 AM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.