Funeral services for Mr. Jimmy Norris, age 78 of Ruston, LA, are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Temple Baptist Church with Dr. Reggie Bridges and Mr. Gene Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until time of service at the church.
James “Jimmy” Norris, born on March 3, 1946, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, Jimmy leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and adventure that touched everyone who knew him.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Joy Norris; his brothers Mark, Paul, and Philip; his father- and mother-in-law Maynard and Louella Upshaw; and brothers-in-law Thomas, Clint, and Troy Upshaw. His memory will live on through his beloved wife of 58 years, Eloise “Pat” Upshaw Norris, and his sons, Jimmy Norris (Molly) and Chris Norris (Candace). He was a proud grandfather to Collin Norris (Anna), Erin Senn (Webster), and JC Norris (Kaylee), and a cherished great-grandfather to Ivy, William, Rylee, Sebastian, and Imber.
A man of deep faith, Jimmy was an active member of Temple Baptist Church, where he shared his warmth and generosity with all who knew him. He was a 32nd degree Mason and private pilot. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in fishing, hunting, and sharing stories over meals — especially if fresh-caught fish was on the table. Those close to him joked that he could “eat his weight in fish,” a feat he embraced wholeheartedly.
Jimmy is also survived by his brother David Norris; his cherished sister- and brother-in-law, Ruth and Craig Kent; sisters-in-law Francis Hammons and Dora Hall; and numerous nieces and nephews who were all touched by his generous spirit and joyful heart.
Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Hammons, Barry Hammons, Clint Upshaw, Wayne Upshaw, Bryan Kent, and Matt Watson. Honorary pallbearers are the men of his Adult 8 Sunday School Class, a group Jimmy held dear.
Known for his sharp wit and easy smile, Jimmy leaves behind a legacy of love, reminding us to savor each moment and appreciate life’s blessings. Though he may no longer walk beside us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Jimmy will be deeply missed but forever remembered. His family takes comfort knowing he is at peace.
