James (Jim) Everett Norris, 85, of Mesquite, Nevada passed away at his home on July 25, 2019. Born in Helena, Montana, Jim was born to La Forest and Adith Norris on April 10, 1934. Preceding him in death were older brothers Melvin and La Forest Norris, Jr.
Jim will be deeply missed by his wife of 38 years, Jeannie, his sons Douglas Norris (Nancy), Kevin Norris (Carolyn); step-sons, Timothy Merklin (Lisa), Thomas Merklin (Lori Smith), Todd Merklin (Kimberly), thirteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends. Throughout his entire life, Jim was a devoted, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all.
Jim dedicated his life to the Lord in 1954 and graduated from the school of Pharmacy at Washington State University (Go-Coug’s!) in 1957 while a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. After graduation, Jim went on to work in the development of life-saving medical injection solutions at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. After this experience, the “call of the west overcame him” and with his young family, Jim moved to the Portland, Oregon area where he became owner and operator of a successful pharmacy in the Montavilla neighborhood of Portland for 12 years. In 1975, a sudden health condition forced a career change and Jim began a new career in the insurance industry, mostly in management. Also during this time, Jim became an accomplished Dale Carnegie instructor who positively impacted many lives through his affirming, optimistic, and “ball of fire” personality. Just before retirement, Jim became the director of marketing for an assisted living corporation where he resolved to “work until it’s not fun anymore.” Fully retiring in 2006, Jim and Jeannie retired to Mesquite, Nevada where they own a home and have made numerous friends.
His family sends a special thank you to the people at the Mesa View Hospice in Mesquite, Nevada for their loving care and support during his final days.
Memorial Services will be held in both the Mesquite, NV and Portland, OR areas with the day and time of these services to be announced in the near future.
