James W. Norris

James W. Norris, 93, of Lake Charles, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024, at a local hospice facility.  James was born in Baton Rouge on September 25, 1929, to James and Bessie Norris.

Upon graduation from high school he attended Louisiana State University majoring in chemical engineering.  Upon receiving his degree he entered the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant.  He was stationed at Barksdale Air Force base and assigned to the special weaponry unit.  He served for 2 years during the Korean Conflict.  While stationed in Bossier, he met the love of his life Helen Williams.  He remained in the Air Force Reserves for 8 years as a 1st Lieutenant.  They married and he went to work in Lake Charles, Louisiana with Citgo Petroleum, where he worked until he retired after 30 plus  years.  He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club and a long time member of First Baptist Church of Lake Charles, where he held many leadership roles.  One of his greatest pleasures was serving people and sharing his faith.  He was generous with his giving, but humble in taking credit.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, his son James Douglas, daughters Sharon and Billie Jean.

Left to honor and cherish his memory are his grandsons, Christopher Norris, wife Cyrena, great granddaughter Saffron and Jared Norris.  Brother in law John Williams and sisters in law Beth Stough and Gloria Hearn, several nieces and nephews as well as many friends.

It could be said of him that he fought the good fight, he shared his faith, and has won the race.  He would want you to know that life is precious and not to waste a minute in regret of what could have been but to look forward to what can be and rejoice in the Lord always.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Guardian for their loving care of Mr. Norris for the last four months  and to the staff at Harbor Hospice for their tender care in the last days of his life.  A special acknowledgement to the staff and ownership of Southern Spice for the years of companionship and meals he happily indulged in on a daily basis.

In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to the building fund of First Baptist Church of Lake Charles, Gideon International or any worthy cause of your choosing.

Visitation will be from 12:00PM until 2:00PM Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St., Lake Charles, LA. 70605.  Funeral services will begin at 2:00PM also at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery.