He was born in Brown County, July 10, 1937 to Dewey and Clara (Kunkel) Norvell. He married Marba J. Carter March 15, 1959 and she preceded him in death January 16, 2002. He later married Diane Dewey, April 4, 2003 and she survives.
Also surviving are his son, Craig (Betsy) Norvell of Pleasant Plains, IL, two grandsons, Corey Norvell and Travis Norvell, two great grandchildren, Teegan Norvell and Lea Norvell, three step-daughters: Jodi (Rich) Lutz-Sanchez of Springfield, Kathy Lutz of Chatham, IL, and Jennifer Lutz of Jacksonville, IL, , six step-grandchildren: Sam and Ryan Sanchez, Jake (wife Shelby) Ingold, Seven and Jett Skaggs, Hope Skaggs. He is also survived by his siblings: Dewey (Maggie) Norvell of Kirkland, IL, David (Kathy) Norvell of Eureka, MO, Jerry (sue) Norvell of Abington, IL, Chuck Norvell of Albany GA, Marge Ackers of Columbus, OH, Clara Billingsley of Industry, IL, Patricia (Ed) Hopkins of Sherman, IL and Cheryl (Gary) Bent of Petersburg, IL, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim served with the Bureau of Design, Electrical and Mechanical Unit with the Illinois Department of Transportation for 34 years, retiring in 1991. He was a member of Hope Presbyterian Church and served as an elder there. Jim was a member of the United Commercial Travelers Association, the Illinois Highway Engineers Association, and Variety Club. He was a longtime instructor for the Hunter Safety Program with the Department of Natural Resources, instructing young adults on the safety of firearms and hunting.
He loved to hunt deer and upland game, fishing, bow hunting and especially times spent in Montana at his brother’s. He loved to cook and spend time with his grandchildren, read, walk work crossword puzzles, metal detect, lapidary-mining sapphires, and other gem stones from Montana. He was an avid conversationalist with his many friends and family.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial gathering, Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Hope Presbyterian Church 2211 Wabash Ave Springfield, IL at 9:30 am until the time of a memorial service at 11:00 am. Pastor Chuck Goodman will officiate. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to Hope Presbyterian Church, or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Hunter Safety Program 1 Natural Resource Way Springfield, IL 62702
Please visit the “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424
