James Charles Norris

James Charles Norris of O’Fallon, Illinois, formerly of Bixby, was born on November 3, 1930 in Salem, a son of the late James Blaine and Wanna (Whitaker) Norris. On October 17, 1959, JC was united in marriage to Barbara Kloepper in Iron Mountain, Missouri and they shared nearly sixty-one years together.

J.C. went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 26, 2020 having reached the age of eighty-nine years, ten months and twenty-three days.

James, aka Jim, J.C., Jay, was an outdoorsman who loved camping, fishing, deer, turkey, and coon hunting. Growing up during the depression he started work as a truck driver at an early age to help support his family. In 1959 he attended Bailey Technical School studying diesel mechanics and went on to a 34 year career with Ryder Truck Rental as an accomplished diesel mechanic. Upon retirement he and Barbara relocated to Bixby where he then started J.C. Norris Trucking business hauling for the local sawmills. In 2015 he and Barbara moved to O’Fallon, IL for rest and relaxation near family. James, Jim, J.C., Jay, whatever you chose to call him, was a generous, reliable friend to many.

Those who remain to mourn his passing and cherish his memory include his loving wife, Barbara Norris; six children, Kandice (Daryl) Simmons, Kimberly (David) Brown, Larry (Betty) Norris, Dennis Norris, Jack (Lonnie) Norris, and Donna (Lloyd) Thompson; fourteen grandchildren: Danielle Simmons, Jeffrey Simmons, Elise Brown, Hunter Brown, Lori (George) Hubbard, Jaimy (Tony) Sorrell, Tina (Jim) Walker, Todd (Jennifer) Norris, Terri Higgins, James (Lisa) Norris, Brandon (Kim) Norris, Melaine Dotson, Michael (Mandy) Thompson, Stephanie Reissing; twenty great grandchildren; four siblings: Rosetta Sutton, Morris Norris, Lucille Middleton and Richard Norris. J.C. is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, J.C. was preceded in death by four siblings, Irene Cavanese, Archie Norris, Betty Walberg, Goldie Browning; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Theodore and Mildred Kloepper.

Visitation were held on Saturday, October 3rd from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Viburnum Christian Church. A funeral service began at 12 p.m. at Viburnum Christian Church, officiated by Pastor Steven Rogier.

Interment and final prayers were held at Boss Cemetery. Honoring J.C. by serving as pallbearers were Jeffrey Simmons, Hunter Brown, David Sutton, Gary Browning, Jerry Norris and David Sumner.

Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of the DeClue Funeral Home.