December 7, 2022, 92, Goldsboro –
Retired Master Sergeant James Baxter Norris, age 92, passed away on Wednesday at the Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation. Jim was born in Watauga County, Boone, NC in the community of Rutherwood. He was a relatively quiet man who had many friends and no known enemies. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Pearl Norris, his brothers, Dorman Norris, Melvin Norris, Albert Norris, and his sister, Mary Frances Phillips.
Jim graduated from Appalachian High School in 1948 and entered military service in January of 1949, spending over twenty-two years as an Air Force firefighter and serving in the Vietnam War. His assignments were in Korea, Japan, Lybia, and various locations within the United States. While in service, he received numerous citations and awards, including the Airman’s Medal on two separate occasions, The Bronze Star Medal, two Commendation Medals, The Good Conduct Medal with silver cluster, and several defense and service awards of the areas served. After military service, he worked in U.S. Civil Service for another eleven years, again as a firefighter. After leaving Civil Service, he worked independently as a company delivery representative and did odd jobs as a carpenter helper, house painter, and other odd jobs as desired.
During his younger and healthier years, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, and camping. As his health and age slowed his activities, he took up Bingo, Shuffleboard, and Senior Dances and spent a lot of time doing computer games and e-mails. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Sudan Shriner and a former member of Goldsboro Masonic Lodge #634, and currently a member of the Harmony Lodge #340 in Pikeville. He was a member of Rutherwood Baptist Church in Boone.
A service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday at 2:00 pm at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Willoughby officiating. The family will greet friends on Friday at the funeral home immediately following the service. Private interment will be in the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to
The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford
600 College Street
Oxford, NC 27565
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is serving the Norris family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com.
