James Mickey Stanford Norman Jr.

James “Mickey” Stanford Norman, Jr., 98, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 6, 2022 in Austin, Texas. Mickey was born on June 22, 1923 in Little Rock, Arkansas to James Stanford Norman and Willie Priest Norman. After moving from Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi as a child during the Depression, Mickey grew up in Houston, Texas with his parents and younger brother, Horace. He graduated San Jacinto High School in 1940 and Rice University in 1944 with a degree in engineering. In May of 1944, he joined the Navy and served in the Pacific War during World War II on a submarine tender and a mine sweeper.

When he returned after the war, he worked in the Pipeline Division for Humble Oil Company and went back to school at South Texas College of Law where he studied at night to obtain his law degree. During his time at Humble, he met Marian Sophie Luerssen, whom he would marry on June 5, 1948. Marian and Mickey were married for 69 years and made their home in the Tanglewood neighborhood of Houston where they raised their two sons, James "Jim" Stanford Norman, III, and Michael Hunter Norman.

Mickey also worked as a homebuilder and developer with his father and brother. Together they built the first GI Homes for World War II veterans returning home, The Champions Golf Club, and helped pioneer the Spring Branch area of Houston. Later, he would form a law firm with his brother where he practiced real estate, business, and family law for the remainder of his career.

Mickey loved his family, a good laugh, and was a life long student, reading books about history and politics and the Houston Chronicle every morning. But above all things, he was a student of the Bible. He and his wife served many years serving and growing community churches in the Houston area.

Mickey served as the President of the Greater Houston Builders Association in 1960 and as the President of the National Association of Home Builders in 1975. In 1981 he was inducted into the Housing Hall of Fame in Washington D.C. “in recognition of his lasting contributions to the cause of providing all Americans with decent and affordable housing.” Another hallmark of Mickey’s career was his resolve to improve the economic climate for home building. As a friend of the consumer, Mickey worked diligently in the formation of the Home Owners Warranty program. He also served as the Founding member and General Council for the Houston Housing Finance Corporation and on the Board of Directors of Dallas Theological Seminary.

Mickey is predeceased by Marian, who passed away in 2017 and his son, Michael Hunter Norman. He is survived by his son, James “Jim” Stanford Norman III and his wife, Martha Rowe Norman; daughters-in-law, Janice Stewart and Susan Norman; grandchildren, Michael Hunter (Becky) Norman, Jr., Jessica (Myers) Norman Dupuy, Hannah Christine Norman, James "Jake" (Veronica) Stanford Norman, IV, and Normandie (Seth) Menn Wilkinson; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

A memorial service in honor of Mickey will take place on Tuesday, March 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas, officiated by Rev. Bruce Bumgardner.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Pine Valley Bible Church, 4101 Grimes, Houston, TX 77087; Dallas Theological Seminary, P. O. Box 612626, Dallas, TX. 75261-2626.

Mickey’s family would like to thank the amazing staff at Belmont Senior Living in Westlake, Hospice Austin for their compassionate care in Mickey’s final days.