James Norton II

James was also preceded in death by his parents James and Anna Norton; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy (Ken) Wiseman, Margaret (Pete) Breen. He will be lovingly remembered by his children James P. (Tammy) Norton, Barbara (Duane) Woltjer, John (Dani) Norton; grandchildren Jacob (Megan) Woltjer, James R. (Kailee) Norton, Stephanie (Josh) Ezinga; great-grandchildren Asher Norton, Jordan Woltjer, Rowan Ezinga, and baby girls due August and October 2026; in-laws Kenneth (Faye) Schantz, Ronald (Norma) Schantz, Louanne Oaks, Alice (Carl Schwander); and many nieces and nephews.

James founded NBN Services (fire protection systems) in 1977 with his father and brother-in-law, later employing his sons until his retirement in 2014. When the work required travel, James and Patricia made those trips into out-of-town adventures, their favorites including Isle Royal, MI and Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

After retirement, James and Patricia moved to the serenity and seclusion of Baldwin, MI which James enjoyed until June 2025 when he moved back to Grand Rapids to be closer to Patricia who resided in a memory care facility.

Visitation with friends and relatives will take place from 10 – 11 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. A celebration of James’ life will commence 11 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), followed by a luncheon and time to share good memories.

In honor of James and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Cortland Wyoming Assisted Living and Optimal Care Hospice for showing such loving care for James. Memories and messages are welcome at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.