James Otis Norris, 75, of Olathe, Kansas passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, August 24, 2024. James will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to everyone he knew.
“J.O.” as he was known by his family and friends was born on October 25, 1948 in Maryville, Missouri to Charles Russell and Wilma (Jones) Norris. He attended and graduated from Burlington Junction High School in Burlington Junction, Missouri. He entered Electronic School where he earned his Associates degree.
James met the love of his life Lavone Dragoo and they were married on February 25, 1967. Together they raised their four children James, Jeff, Jodie and Jonie. James worked in the aviation service department for Honeywell where he repaired airplane equipment before retiring in 2017. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing softball and attending Royals baseball games. James was an avid Kansas City Chiefs Football fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family and nothing gave him more pleasure in life than the time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed.
James is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Wilma Norris, son-in-law Ritchie Bell and brother-in-law Butch Messbarger. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty seven years Lavone Norris of the home, two sons James Norris of Raytown, Missouri, Jeff Norris of Kansas City, Kansas two daughters Jodie Norris of Gardner, Kansas and Jonie Bell of Olathe, Kansas. Left behind to cherish his memory are his seven grandchildren Josh Norris, Jacob Laessig, Larissa Bell, Mitchell Norris, Caden Norris, Zechariah Laessig, Kaytlin Barry and five great grandchildren Emma Bell, Aria Carlson, Ellie Norris, Adonis Laessig and Azelea Laessig. His brother Ronnie Norris and his wife Genevieve of Lake of the Ozarks and his sister Karen Messbarger of Tarkio, Missouri also survive James.
James will be cremated according to his wishes. A graveside Inurnment service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2024 in Olathe Memorial Cemetery 738 North Chestnut Street Olathe, Kansas. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions “In Loving Memory of James Norris” may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com.
