James Norburg

James Norburg knew that in life, it is the people you love and who love you in return that make everything worthwhile. James was a kind, intelligent man who brought joy to the lives of others, and always put his family first.

Jim's story began one cold Michigan winter day in 1954. While America was experiencing a time of tension and change, with the Cold War and the hunt for communist spies in full swing, the Norburg family in Grand Rapids, Michigan, found life a little bit simpler as they joyfully anticipated the birth of a new baby. On March 1, 1954, the same year the world series was broadcast in color for the first time, Sheridan and Lois (VanDussen) Norburg welcomed their youngest child, James Alan Norburg, into the world.

Jim had a happy and simple childhood filled with baseball, fishing, and summer trips. His father, Sheridan, supported the family as an iron worker while his mother, Lois remained at home to care for her family. Jim enjoyed his childhood with his two older siblings, Steve and Nancy. He attended Sibley Elementary School in Grand Rapids and, like all boys in the 1950's, he loved to play baseball. As a child, Jim also developed a life-long love for fishing, and was able to do so at his family's cottage on Maston Lake, where they spent their summers fishing, swimming, and boating. Jim and his family also enjoyed traveling together, and took trips to places such as Boston, Washington D.C. and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

As a teenager, Jim attended Union High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While he was in school, he also worked at the gas station near his home on Covell Avenue, and at the Leonard Street car wash. In 1972, Jim walked across that stage with his diploma in hand, and prepared himself for the next four years of schooling.

Jim attended college at Western Michigan University, where he studied business. He enjoyed his time at Western, and was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity. During the summers, he worked at Steelcase to earn money for the coming fall semester. After graduating with a degree in business in four years, Jim still remained close with his fraternity.

After college, Jim entered head on into the working world. His first job out of college moved him to Connecticut, where he worked in sales for packaging machinery at Oliver Machinery. Later, Jim got a job with Corning, and later at Great Lakes Corporation. His job at Great Lakes brought him to Chicago, and, for the last eight years, to Arizona.

Jim took great joy in life, and had many hobbies, both indoors and out. As he grew older, Jim maintained his childhood love for fishing. Whenever he got the chance, he would head out to try and catch perch, bass, and bluegill. He also enjoyed golfing, and spent many hours out on the course.

Jim always knew that family was the most important part of his life. Even when he was living far away, he made a great effort to keep in touch. He was very close with his family, and took advantage of any opportunity to get together with them. During the summers, he and his family would spend nostalgic days at the cottage.

However, Jim's favorite times were over the holidays, when he would get to dress up as Santa Claus for his family. Jim was a Santa Clause enthusiast. Not only did he enjoy dressing up as Santa Claus on Christmas, he also collected Santa Claus figurines, and had quite a collection. One year, he even dressed as "Caribbean Joe" Santa, to the joy of his family.

Jim also loved reading science fiction books, and was a sports enthusiast. His time in Chicago made him an avid Cubs fan, while his time in Arizona also made him an Arizona Diamondbacks rooter. But a Michigander is always a Michigander, so Jim also took time to cheer on the Michigan State University football team.

In the year 2004, Jim faced a time of tragedy when his brother, Steve, died unexpectedly on October 22. Later, after his mother became sick, Jim moved back to Grand Rapids in order to be closer to his family. His brother's death was followed in 2007 by the death of his mother, Lois, on November 14, 2007.

In September of 2008, Jim began to feel that something was not right. The doctors discovered that he had developed kidney and liver problems. He was hospitalized on Thursday, September 11, and his condition deteriorated rapidly slipping him into unconsciousness. Later, it was discovered that he had a perforated bowel. Surrounded by the love of his family, who kept vigil at his side, Jim died at 7:06 PM Sunday evening.

Throughout his life, Jim showed great devotion to those he loved. With a great sense of humor, Jim always knew how to make someone smile, and was a pleasure to be around. Jim was an extremely loving and generous person, and will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew him. Jim will be greatly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Norburg and his brother, Steve Norburg. He is survived by his father, Sheridan Norburg; his sister, Nancy (Philip) Grossman; his nieces and nephews, Kay Grossman, Andy Grossman, Farrah (Warren) Foust and their son Cooper, Nick (Nichole) Norburg and their son Christopher; his cousin Maryanne Soderberg; his former wife, Nancy Niemczak; and sister-in-law, Deborah (Mike) Wendling.

A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Burial in Rosedale Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM and on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the funeral begins. Contributions in his memory are requested to M & M Environmental Lake Assn. 12711 Glorietta Dr. Sand Lake MI 49341. To leave your own memory of him and to sign his guest book, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.