It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Lee Norton, age 83, who died peacefully at his home on September 1, 2025.
He was very proud of his 27 years of service in the United States Navy.  He spent the majority of his career on submarines or in support of the submarine service.  He was assigned to his first submarine USS Barbero (SSG 317) in 1961 which was stationed in Pearl Harbor and operated in the North Atlantic.  Next, he attended Nuclear Power School which guided the rest of his career.  He was assigned to the commissioning crew of USS Von Stuben (SSBN 632) where he completed five patrols followed by a tour at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Idaho.  This was followed by a tour on USS Lapon (SSN 661). Following that tour, he was promoted to Warrant Officer, and from 1974-1981 was assigned to the Naval Reactors Representatives Office at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.  He then transferred to the repair department of USS L.Y. Spear (AS36), where he served as the Nuclear Repair Officer and Quality Assurance Officer in support of Submarine Squadron Six. From 1984-1986, he supported Submarine Squadron 14 as the Production Management Assistant in the repair department on USS Hunley (AS31) in Holy Loch, Scotland.  He was an LDO Lieutenant Commander serving as an Assistant Material Officer for the Atlantic Submarine Force Commander, when he retired from the Navy in 1987.  Following his Navy career he worked at Newport News Shipbuilding for 17 years.  While there, he became a certified Logistics Engineer and retired as a Project Engineer.
He was a member of the Smithfield Masonic Lodge #18, Scottish Rite, Khedive Temple of the Shriners, and was past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star #127.  He was also a member of the Colonial Virginia Model A Club.  As a lifelong member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) he served as an officer and was honored to counsel other disabled veterans regarding their claims.
He was exceptionally hard-working and dedicated in all aspects of his life. He subscribed to the sentiment that anything worth doing is worth doing right and gave his all to any commitment no matter how big or small.  He could build or fix just about anything; having fully restored a 1930 Model A that he would drive in the Smithfield Christmas parade.  He loved being outdoors and especially enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, and gardening.  Other favorite pastimes included photography, genealogy, a game of Rummikub, and relaxing under a shady tree. Everyone that met him noticed his blue eyes that twinkled when he smiled.
He married his best friend, Esther Ione Marshall in 1976 at the chapel on Norfolk Naval Shipyard embarking on a 49 year love story that would find them traveling extensively in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, making lasting memories.  He is survived by his wife, and a host of loving family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery located at 5310 Milner's Rd. Suffolk VA, 23434 on September 22nd at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in James' name to the Disabled American Veterans.
https://www.dav.org