Boyd (Jack) Norris

Boyd (Jack) G. Norris (97) of St. Louis passed away peacefully May 11, 2019, after a brief illness. He is preceded in death by his parents Boyd and Lora Agnes (Loretta) Norris, his beloved wife, Mary (nee Hardin), his oldest son Boyd (Jack), his youngest daughter Elizabeth (“Pebbles”), and his youngest sister Wanda Colleen Leach. He is survived by his dear sister Naomi Hodel, daughters Marge Norris Reese and Kathi Walker Braun (Jim); sons Tom Norris (Karen), Larry Norris, and Ted Norris; grandsons Michael Walker (Dawn), Dr. Tony Walker (Daniel Bouton), Jack Norris, and Dylan Norris; great-grandson A.J.; bonus grandchildren Rissy, Emily and Mickey; bonus great-grandchildren Nolan and James; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends, including the Leaches, the Brohammers, the Brencicks, the Hardins and the Dorans.

Jack was born in Des Moines, IA, on February 26, 1922. A year later, the family moved to Farmington, MO, where Jack and his younger sisters enjoyed their childhood years. Some of Jack’s favorite memories included fishing in creeks, attending country fairs, bonfires, and camping. He always had a love of both music and baseball.

When Jack was 11, the family relocated to south St. Louis. While attending school, young Jack held various jobs including ‘popcorn boy’ at the neighborhood movie theater. Here he developed a love of the silver screen, with a special fondness for westerns and the grand MGM musicals. His favorite stars were Fred Astaire and Errol Flynn. (He passed those loves onto his children.) Nights with the family meant sitting around the radio. That’s when Jack developed a love for big band music. Until the day he passed away, his favorite was the great Artie Shaw.

In 1940, Jack enlisted is the U.S. Navy. He served as a machinist mate, on the USS Milwaukee as part of the Atlantic fleet; the USS Memphis, flagship of the South Atlantic Squadron; and the USS Claxton destroyer in the Southwest Pacific Theater, where the squadron earned a Presidential Unit Citation. Jack’s last naval assignment was aboard the USS Vicksburg which served at Leyte Gulf, Philippines; Iwo Jima; and Okinawa. He received an Honorable discharge in June 1946. Jack fondly recalls all his shipmates, shore leaves, USO dances, jitterbug dancing, and the bustle of train stations during these days. But, like all servicemen, he always wanted to get home.

In 1947 Jack married the love of his life, Mary. They were married for 54 years until her death in 2001. They had seven children. The family resided in south St. Louis county. Jack was an incredible father who spent many evenings and weekends practicing sports with the kids, and often coached their teams. He was an avid Oriole’s fan. He shared his love of big band music and classic movies with his children – a love that remains with them to this day. (Thank you for that, Dad.) Later, in the 80s and 90s, Jack and Mary were blessed again with grandchildren Mike, Tony, Jacky and Dylan. They brought so much joy and pride to their grandparents.

Jack worked for the U.S. Army in a civilian capacity for 32 years, until his retirement. He was a marine equipment specialist, and worked with marine watercraft and equipment, frequently traveling to military installations in the U.S. He loved his job.

Our dad will always be remembered by the many people who knew and loved him. He had an amazingly encyclopedic mind when it came to anything historic or world facts. He brought great joy, knowledge and wise guidance to his family. How grateful we feel to have had such a wonderful man as a father, friend, uncle, brother, and grandfather. They just don’t make ‘em like Jack any more! Rest in peace, dear dad. Give Mom and Jack and Pebbles a big hug from all of us. Love always, until we meet again.

Please join Jack's family at Genesis Banquet Center, 2651 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO 63125 after the interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, approximately 2:00 p.m., for luncheon and to share memories of Jack's life.