John "Jack" E. Norris

Born February 26, 1934 in Lansing, the son of the late Mont and Lucy (McEldowney) Norris, passed away February 27, 2013 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 79. He was a 1953 graduate of Sexton High School and married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Smith in 1954. Jack retired from Hostess Cakes after 30 great years of service. He was also employed with O’Leary Paint for 15 years. Jack will be remembered for his generous and giving spirit as he enjoyed Christmas by sharing with others and greeting children and was well known as Santa’s Helper on Mt. Hope Ave. for many years. Some of his favorite pastimes were softball, MSU sports, hunting, fishing and especially family vacations in Pentwater, MI. He enjoyed people and loved parking cars for patrons of the Lugnuts games. Preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers; and 3 sisters. Surviving to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 58 years, Nancy Norris; daughter, Luanne (Tracy) Ladley of Lansing; sons, Jack (Ruth) Norris of Mason, and Ricky (Cindy) Norris of E. Lansing; loving grandchildren, Mindi Blair, Jackilyn (Regie) Rieder, Nick Norris, Mike Norris, Erin Norris, Myranda Ladley, Skylar Norris; and former special daughter-in-law, Kay Norris. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 2nd at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 1st from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home and 1 hour prior to the service. For those desiring, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 310 N. Main St., Ste. 100, Chelsea, MI 48823 in memory of Jack. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com