James R. "Jim" Norris

James R. Norris, 79, of Battle Creek died at Bronson Battle Creek on Tuesday, August 5, 2014.

Jim was born in Alpine, Tennessee on August 19, 1934, to Alvin T. and Maude (Copeland) Norris. He came to Battle Creek with his family as a young boy. Jim was a 1953 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He was employed briefly at U.S. Register Company and then for the Kellogg Company for 27 years, retiring in 1994.

Jim married Jeannine M. Frisch on April 27, 1957 at St. Philip Catholic Church. Surviving are Jeannine, his wife of 57 years; three daughters, Jami (Ann Skye) Norris of Durham, NC, Jeri Norris of Indianapolis, IN and Juli (John) Grattan of Battle Creek; two granddaughters, Leslie Grattan and Hayley Skye; three step-grandchildren, Colin, Connor and Lauren Grattan; a brother, David McDaniel of Oscoda, MI; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Clara Norris; stepfather, Woody McDaniel and his sister and brother-in-law, Dawn and Wayne Snyder.

Jim attended St. Philip Catholic Church and was a former member of St. Jerome Catholic Church. He was a member of the Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association and he owned and trained harness horses for many years. Following their retirement, Jim and Jeannine traveled extensively in their motor home for over ten years throughout the US, enjoying family and friends. He was also a former member of the Battle Creek Corvette Club and the Pennfield Optimist Club. Jim was an avid Notre Dame football, Duke basketball and N.Y. Yankee baseball fan. He also enjoyed NASCAR and working around the house and yard. Jim loved exercising at Burnham Brook and spending time with his extended family and friends, sharing much love and laughter.

Friends will be received from 2:00-4:00 p.m. & 6:00-8:00 p.m. today, Thursday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, where The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Francis A. Marotti 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2014 at St. Philip Catholic Church, 92 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at St Philip Parish Center following the entombment.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.