Jim Norman

JAMES JIM LEWIS NORMAN James Jim Lewis Norman, 78, of Bismarck, went to be with his lord at 3:10 a.m. Monday, June 25, 2007 at North Logan Healthcare in Danville. Jim was born on May 14, 1929 in Chrisman, Illinois, the son of Hade and Nellie (Grimn) Norman. He married Deloris Mitchell Sillings on March 30, 1979 in Danville. She survives. He is survived by Shirley Tucker Norman of Paris, Illinois, mother of Jims four children- Scott (Lisa) Norman of Florida, Chris (Terry) Norman of Abingdon, Illinois, Amy Anderson of Watseka, Illinois, and Dana Frazier of Benton, Illinois; one step-son- Ron (Shawn) Sillings of Bismarck, Illinois; one step-daughter- Shanda Wedgeworth of Lincoln, Illinois; one sister- Eva Slayton of Danville, Illinois; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two nieces; and two special former foreign exchange students- Rafael from Mexico and Judith from Spain. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson- Wyatt Mitchell Wedgeworth. Jim graduated from Chrisman High School in 1947. He attended Eastern Illinois University, where he obtained his degree in pre-veterinary in 1950. He later attended University of Illinois, where he graduated with his Bachelors Degree in Agriculture in 1952. After graduating from U of I he joined the United States Army, where he served in the Korean War from 1952-1954. Jim worked for several years at Danville Junior College as the public relation director. After working at Danville Junior College, Jim worked at Mettam Safety for several years, until he retired in 1991. Jim was a member of the Bismarck First Church of Christ for the last ten years. Prior to being a member of the First Church of Christ, he was a charter member of the Northland Christian Church in Danville, where he was the song leader. He was also a member of Sigma Chi Alumni. Jims passion was singing and loved country gospel music. He was a member of the Circuit Riders gospel singing group for 35 years and a member of the Relay Team as a singer and bass player. Jim was a 33rd Honorary Member Supreme Council of Masonry. He was also a member of Furtherlight Masonic Lodge in Danville, Scottish Rite Bodies in Danville, York Rite Bodies in Danville, Ansar Shrine in Springfield, Great Lakes Clown Association, member of Scottish Rite Speakers Bureau, and Chairman Scottish Rite Entertainment Bureau. Jim loved horses and sulky racing. He was a member of the Vermilion County Farm Bureau, 4-H Club Leader of the Liberty Lion for 10 years, past state chairman of FFA Foundation, past recipient of the Honorary Illinois FFA State Farmer Degree, past Chairman of the Vermilion County 4-H Foundation, and a past member of the Agriculture Editors Association. Jim was always volunteering to help with fundraisers and to help a good cause. He was a past board member for the Vermilion County Childrens Home and past vice chairman of the Board of Developmental Learning Center (school for mentally challenged children). Jim was also a past president of the Kennekuk Toastmasters Club and Uncle Joe Cannon Toastmasters Club. Jim also loved doing photography and woodworking. A Celebration of the Life of James Jim Lewis Norman will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 29, 2007 at the Bismarck First Church of Christ, with Pastor Sam Draper officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 " 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. Entombment will be at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Bismarck First Church of Christ- Memorial Fund. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.