James Harold

Norman

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IN LOVING MEMORY

James Harold Norman

Feb 04 1923 - Jul 02 2011

James Harold Norman, 88, of McKinney, Texas, entered eternal life on July 2, 2011. Jim was an example of service to others, and his life reflected a profound faith in Jesus. He was a devoted Christian and active in the Methodist Church. He served on many church committees and started a clown ministry, performing at nursing homes and for children’s organizations. Jim was particularly proud of his work with children, serving as a Scout Master, Santa Claus for abused children, Easter Bunny, and Doo Dah the Clown. He loved his family and organized many fun parties and family reunions. He was an optimist who loved to see people laugh. Jim was a dedicated volunteer who served as state coordinator for AARP health programs for over six years. He also gave his time and talents to the Scout Council and legal services for the poor. Jim was born on February 4, 1923, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Dave Willis Norman and Myra Livingston Norman. Jim had two sisters, Muriel and Dorothy. During the Great Depression, Jim’s family moved to Borger, Texas. At school, Jim played the trombone and won a number of music contests. He played football, basketball, and tennis in high school. After graduation, Jim went to Texas Tech University and studied there until the beginning of World War II when Jim volunteered to join the Air Force. Shortly after joining the Air Force, Jim was asked to play trombone in the Air Force Band. Jim played alongside professional musicians from big bands like Tommy Dorsey, Art Goldman, Harry James, and Artie Shaw. Jim asked to be transferred to a line operation and eventually became a radio operator instructor. He then went to France, England, and Italy as radio operator for the crew of a B-17, which was part of the 19th Photo Charting Squadron. His military record shows ten combat missions and thirty-five service missions out of Italy. While in the Air Force, Jim married Margie Carter in Littleton, Colorado, on December 8, 1943. Jim and Margie had three children, Jim Jr., David, and Pam. Jim said that his children were a joy and always kept Margie and him on their toes. After World War II, Jim went to Southern Methodist University, earning a degree in psychology. He then began teaching physics, chemistry, and biology in Olney, Texas. During his time in Olney, Jim and Margie’s home was destroyed by a tornado. Throughout his life, Jim remained grateful to the people of Olney, who showed care and compassion to Jim and his family during that difficult time. In 1954, Jim earned a master’s degree in administrative education from Midwestern University. He then worked as an industrial psychologist at Ling-Temco-Vaught; Jim found his ability to help people in this job particularly rewarding. He later founded Personnel Research Associates, a management consulting firm. Jim was the first person to twice win the American Society for Personnel Administration’s National Research Award; he was recognized for his work in personnel management and psychological testing. Jim also wrote three books and obtained over forty copyrights. Jim retired as director of human resources from Fleming Companies, Inc. Jim’s family remembers him as a faithful and devoted husband of over 67 years and a loving and hilarious father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Margie Norman of McKinney, Texas; son, David Norman and wife, Carmen, of Farmersville, Texas; daughter, Pam Kennedy and husband, Tom of Plano, Texas; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and sister, Dorothy Jewett of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Myra Norman; son, Jim Norman, Jr.; and sister, Muriel Bell. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 6, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church in McKinney with Dr. Tommy Brumett and Rev. Don Renshaw officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday, July 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. Jim often told his friends that he was going to tell Saint Peter about them when he got to heaven. Now he is enjoying the opportunity to tell Saint Peter and to be with Jesus. Memorials may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital 2222 Welborn Street Dallas, TX 75219 or to First United Methodist Church 315 N. Church Street McKinney, TX 75069.

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Memorials

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