Friday, February 14, 2025

James Woodrow ‘Jay’ Norris, 85, loved and lived for his family

James Woodrow 'Jay' Norris
James Woodrow ‘Jay’ Norris

WILMINGTON — Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. James Woodrow “Jay” Norris, 85, died Friday, March 1, 2019. He was born in Cumberland County Aug. 31, 1933, to Monroe Franklin Norris and Florence Gertrude Cannady Norris, both deceased.

Jay is survived by Millie, his devoted wife of 64 years; daughter, Juanita (Larry) Sneeden; grandsons, Sean (Leigh Anne) Richardson of Wilmington and Patrick Richardson of Miami; sister-in-law, Agnes (Terry) Baird of Wilmington; and so may more special family members and friends who he loved dearly.

Born in Cumberland County and raised in southeastern North Carolina, he was one of eight siblings and has joined them and others on his next journey.

Jay loved and lived for his family. He gave quiet and often humorous advice and encouraged us to do what is right and fair, always.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. J.W. Norris served his country with pride, retiring in 1973. He continued in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve until 1983. While he was stationed mostly along the East Coast, he had two tours in Vietnam, where he was in charge of generating electricity for the MUST units in Da Nang.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 6, at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Service. Military honors will be presented. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.

He was so very much loved, and he will be missed and cherished every second of every day.

Rest now Marine, your work is done.

Share online condolences with the family at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Service.

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