James Norris

James (Jim) Frank Norris, 91, was born March 2, 1930 in Adams City, Colorado to James Robert Norris and Virginia Alice (Draper) Norris. Shortly after he moved with his parents and older sister to Broomfield, Colorado where he spent the rest of his childhood. He attended grade school at Mandalay School that was on Wadsworth. Then he attended Arvada High School where he met the love of his life, Eileen Lorenz. He graduated in 1947 and Eileen in 1948. They were married February 18th, 1949 (2 weeks short of 73 years!).

Jim enlisted in the Air Force and served from 1948 to 1952. Their oldest son, Jay Ronald Norris, was born just before Jim was discharged. Jim and Eileen moved back to Arvada and he started working at Rocky Flats shortly after that. They had 2 more children, James Michael (Debbie) Norris and Kaeleen Denise (Dave) Buckingham.

Jim joined Arvada Volunteer Fire Department in October, 1953. He continued to serve on the department for over 26 years, later being elected to the Arvada Fire Protection District Board. The family has many fond memories of the department and what they did for the families of the firemen.

He was raised to Master Mason in Arvada Lodge AF & AM in 1963. He went on to become Master of Arvada Lodge. He was also a member of the York Rite, the Scottish Rite, and many other Masonic organizations. He and Eileen joined Friendship Chapter Order of the Eastern Star in 1963 affiliating with Mt. Zion in 2008. They served as officers for a short while and then put their Star time on hold while they finished raising their family. When the youngest was done with college, Eileen went up the line with Jim joining her at Associate Patron. Jim went on to serve as Worthy Patron many times. They enjoyed their time together while attending Eastern Star functions.

He retired from Rocky Flats in 1987 and the 2 of them traveled extensively seeing most of the US and many other countries. They also enjoyed camping and fishing in the various RVs in our beautiful Colorado mountains. They would often take one of their grandchildren with them when they went fishing.

He is survived by his wife, the 3 children, 4 grandchildren (Shandra Hoyle, Anthony Norris, Charlotte Buckingham, and Joseph Norris), 3 great grandchildren (Logan Hoyle, Katelin Hoyle, and Elizabeth Hoyle) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret Firkins, brother William Norris, and grandson Eric Norris. He will be sorely missed by many.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we deeply love becomes a part of us.” Helen Keller

A Visitation will be held on Monday, February 21, 2022 @ 9:00 AM followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 AM, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado 80003. Following the Funeral Service a Graveside Service will be at 12:00 PM, Arvada Cemetery, 5581 Independence Street, Arvada, Colorado 80002

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to: Freedom Service Dogs, 7193 S. Dillon Court, Englewood, Colorado 8011