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James G. Norton • 1929 - 2002 James G. Norton, 72, 2107-11th Ave. NW, Minot, died Saturday, May 4, 2002, at his home, of natural causes. He was born July 7, 1929, in Minot, a son of Patrick D. Norton and Louise (Fitzgerald) Norton. Raised in Minot, he graduated from Minot High School in 1947 and in June of that year, enlisted in the Army. He served in the headquarter company of the Army's Third Armored Division at Fort Knox, KY. After two years of service he was honorably discharged, returned to North Dakota and enrolled at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. At UND, he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and during his senior year, was captain of the varsity football team. He graduated in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Following graduation, he worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber stores in Fergus Falls, MN, Fargo and Williston, ND, before returning to Minot in the mid-fifties. He went into the banking business, working at Union National Bank and then at First Western Bank when that institution opened. He remained there until purchasing Minot Restaurant Supply, a business he owned and operated until retiring in 1992. He married Mary Elaine Hanson July 14, 1956, in Minot, where they since have made their home. Active in a number of organizations, Mr. Norton particularly enjoyed the six years he served on the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation when it was first organized. He also was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, the Lions Club, Elks and Moose lodges, Toastmasters, Chamber of Commerce and YMCA, all in Minot, as well as the Minot Country Club. In earlier years, he was a member of the Parent Teacher Association. He also was involved in several banking groups while in that business. Survivors: wife, Mary; daughters, Susan (Steve) Nolte, Carrollton, TX, Mary (Jimmy) Jenkins, Springfield, VA, Joan (Carl) Bissett and Julie (Randy) Reiser, all of El Paso, TX; eight grandchildren, Whitney and Katy Nolte, Hunter, Michael, Katelyn and John Jenkins, Carlee Bissett and Emma Reiser; a brother, John (Pat) Norton, Englewood, CO. His parents preceded him in death. Funeral: Thursday, May 9, 2002, at 10:30 a.m., St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot. Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot. Visitation: Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot. Memorials are preferred to a charity or organization of the donor's choice. Celebrants Of The Liturgies: Father Henry Schneider and Deacon Chuck Kramer, homilist Music: Processional, "Lift High The Cross" Active Bearers: Richard Muus, Peter Welk, Morris Lawrence, Walfrid Hankla, Robert Wheeler Chester Folkert, Rolland Redlin, Elden Sanders, Morrie Reiser Honorary Bearers: Jim's former business associates and friends |