James D. Norris

James ("Jim") D. Norris passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County at Ellis Farm, Watertown, New York.

Jim was born on May 4, 1930, in Watertown, New York, being the middle son of Bernard C. Norris and Lucille Longton Norris. He attended local public schools, including North Junior High where he was student council president, and later graduated from Watertown High School in 1948.

In November 1950, Jim was inducted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He spent three years as a Nike Guided Missile Technician for the Western Anti-Aircraft Command. Jim was honorably discharged in November 1953 at the rank of Sergeant.

He returned to Watertown, where he met the love of his life, Janice M. Fowlow. The couple married on April 30, 1955, and later that year moved to Potsdam to reside while Jim attended Clarkson University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1958. Between semesters and on summer breaks, Jim worked for Putnam- Hawley Construction Company, where he was involved in several projects, including the Moses-Saunders Power Dam, the Long Sault Control Dam, and construction projects at Massena School.

Following his graduation, Jim and Jan moved to Wellsville, New York, where Jim worked as an Engineer for the Air Preheater Corporation. In 1960, he became a Licensed Professional Engineer. The couple moved back to Watertown, where Jim began a thirty-year career as a Civil Engineer with the NYS Department of Transportation.

During his lifetime, Jim was active in many civic affairs. He served as the Chairman of the Watertown Housing Authority, a member of the Development Authority of the North Country, and as a member of the Watertown City Council. During his time on the City Council, he played an active role in advancing many of the City's major achievements. These included the construction of a new water treatment plant, enclosing the city reservoir, upgrades to the sewage treatment plant, restoration of the main pavilion at Thompson Park, bringing professional baseball to the city, and transferring a city street to Samaritan Hospital to support its expansion.

Jim had a lifelong passion for politics and rarely missed an opportunity to discuss current events, public policy, or the issues shaping the world. He was always ready with an opinion on the latest headlines and welcomed lively political debate at the dinner table. He stayed informed, voted faithfully, and encouraged others to do the same. He was also active in the Northside Improvement League and a lifetime member of the VFW and Elks Club.

Jim truly valued spending time with family and friends, especially Sunday dinners at his son and daughter-in-law's home along the St. Lawrence River. He loved being on or near the water and took a keen interest in the history of the ships which navigated the river. Jim and Jan spent several summers on their houseboat, "Floating Home," and more than 20 winters in Myrtle Beach.

Jim dearly loved his grandchildren and took great pride in all they accomplished. Grandpa will always be remembered for his quick wit and the many stories he loved to share from his younger days.

Among his survivors are his wife of 71 years, Janice; his son, Andrew, and daughter-in-law, Shelly, of Clayton, New York; his daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Reverend Doctor Steve Sellers, of Statesville, North Carolina; his brother, Robert, and sister-in-law, Antoinette, of Mexico, New York; and two sisters-in-law, Beatrice Austin of Venice, Florida, and Ann Hancock of Carthage, New York. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, one step great-grandchild, and one great-grandchild on the way, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, a brother William and sister-in-law Josephine, his son Daniel, and grandson Conner.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no calling hours. Jim generously chose to donate his body to Upstate Medical Center for educational purposes. A private celebration of life will be held at the family's convenience.

Jim's family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by Hospice of Jefferson County and kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in his memory to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1396 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY 13601, or online at www.jeffersonhospice.org. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Kenneth Fish and his staff for years of wonderful care.

Arrangements are under the care of the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, 518 State Street, Carthage, NY 13619. To leave an online condolence for Jim, please visit www.bezanillafh.com.