Arron Jack Norrix

Arron “Jack” Norrix received his final marching orders on Thursday, October 15, 2020 from his Ultimate Commandant. Although he battled many health conditions, he passed without struggle in his own home as he had always desired.

Jack was a fearless Marine, supportive husband, protective father, proud Grumpa Dad, loving brother, antic uncle, and steadfast friend. Reunited with his company, he was greeted by the loved ones who shipped out ahead of him including his father, Daniel Lee Norrix, his mother Jacqueline “Ruth” Dilday and his adoring wife Mary, who no doubt was waiting at heavens gates to introduce him to their 3 unborn children.

Jack was born on November 28th, 1931 in Murphysboro, Illinois. He was arguably the most photographed child of the Great Depression. His grandfather, a photographer by trade, took full advantage of his adorable subject! Although the only child born of his parents marriage, he made a lot of mischievous boyhood memories spending much time with his adoring grandparents and young cousins in Michigan. He was enrolled in military academy at 9 years of age and was a fastidious cadet. At 18, he enlisted in the USMC and immediately transferred to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Oceanside California, for boot camp where he received exemplary commendations.

Jack fought valiantly in the Korean War where he engaged in combat at the Chosin Reservoir. Wounded in battle, he was awarded a Purple Heart for his brave efforts with his Band of Brothers. Returning stateside from his tour of duty he joined the reserves and remained on call until he retired from his military career. After active duty, he moved to South Texas with his mother.

Soon, he found himself in South Houston, Texas where he met the love of his life: his favorite amber eyed redhead, Mary Walden. She swooned over his black hair and deep dimples and as soon as Jack secured a position at Shell Oil Refinery, they were engaged to be wed, of course! Vows were exchanged on July 17th, 1954, officiated by Reverend Crawford Swaim, pastor of South Houston Assembly of God Church, where the couple attended and met.

Before long, Jack was outnumbered by Norrix girls as the union produced 3 daughters that he was extremely proud of. They were married for 65 years and 9 months; Mary passed just 6 months before him. Jack worked tirelessly at Shell as a master electrician for over 40 years to provide for his family who will be forever indebted to him.

Jack was a faithful charter member of Faith Assembly of God in Pasadena, Texas for nearly 54 years. He was an intricate part of the church and always volunteered his time, energy and finances to dutifully serve there. He and Mary actively supported many ministries that often thrived only because of their commitment. Jack especially revered Gods chosen people, the nation of Israel and religiously contributed to Jewish communities here in the US and overseas. Usually portraying a tough, Leatherneck exterior, Jack actually had a very tender heart and deep love for the the Lord.

He established meaningful connections with the people who pursued conversation with him and was always good for a laugh with his plethora of jokes. He was an avid reader, an expert gunman, a skilled hunter and a lover of all the kitty cats and puppy dogs.

Although he had battle scars from childhood and war, Jack victoriously maintained strength and valor until the end. He was a man of commitment and had undying affection for his family, his friends and his country-a true patriot! He was hardworking and humble, generous and selfless, dependable, and loyal to a fault!

Jack will be remembered forever and missed immensely by those that he left behind:

Daughter: Jacqui Vandagriff and husband Mark; Daughter: Jill Norrix; Daughter: Veronica Wilburn and husband Troy; Granddaughter: Stephanie Bachle and husband Chris; Sister: Lee Jones, Sister: Donna Magnuson; many special nieces, nephews and cousins and of course his beloved Devil Dog: Panzi.

OORAH!

Jack always had a heart for missions:

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to https://faithpasadena.org/ to extend his long standing commitment to the missionaries he supported.