James Edwin Norton

James E. Norton, 74, of Chatham, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024. He was born in Woodrow, Ky on February 21, 1950, the son of James L. Norton and Dorothy Lee Brown Norton. His father was career military and they lived in many areas around the United States and in Germany, finally spending his junior high and high school years in Louisville, Kentucky where he met the love of his life, Gayle McDanal Norton. They were married on January 2, 1970, and were married for 54 years. He went by Jim in his later years but many knew him by Jimmy. After he was married, Jim and Gayle moved to Jacksonville, Illinois where he worked for Illinois Valley Paving. He later went on to work for Freesen, Inc, and retired from United Contractors Midwest after a 45-year career.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Norton. He is survived by his wife, Gayle; his son, Christopher Norton (Leslie) of Chicago; his daughter, Deanna Verduin (Kurt) of Chatham; two grandchildren, Alaina Verduin and Colson Verduin; and his sister Choyia Sharp (Paul) of Louisville, KY.

Jim was an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan and shared his love of Kentucky basketball with his children. He enjoyed playing tennis, gardening, traveling, and sitting with his wife under his favorite shade tree in the backyard. Music and singing brought him joy, and if there was a dance floor, he was on it. Jim loved talking with people, never met a stranger and was known for his warm smile and big hugs. However, his true passion was his wife, children, and grandchildren. After retirement, his grandchildren were the highlight of his life. He enjoyed Colson’s soccer games and his granddaughter’s ballet performances. He was especially grateful to watch Alaina perform as Clara in the Nutcracker this past holiday season.

Jim’s love for his family was his greatest gift and the love was wholeheartedly returned. He will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.

The family would like to invite friends and family to a celebration of life on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s honor to the American Cancer Society - Esophageal Cancer at PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741