JAMES ARTHUR NORRIS was born August 29, 1953, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was the fifth of nine children born to the late Odell Norris Sr. and Mary Lou Harvin-Norris. Phyllis Askew, sister and Odell “June” Norris, Jr, brother, Mary Elizabeth Norris-Smoak, sister, David Lee Norris, Jr., brother preceded James in death.

James., fondly known to his friends as “Norris” spent his early years in Spartanburg, SC. where he attended Mary H. Wright Elementary School. James graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1971. After graduation James enlisted in the Marines in 1972. He served as a Professional Technician at Camp LeJune until 1973. James was deployed to Vietnam were he
served from 1973 to 1975.

James dedicated his life to the Lord and was baptized in1967, in Spartanburg, S.C. by the late Minister J. Leon Pridgen of Mt Moriah Baptist Church. James worked at Drapier Mill and Dyna-Cast until his retirement in 2006.

James loved to watch old westerns and listen to music. James served as the Head Usher on the Senior Usher Board and was a devoted member of The Men of God at Mt. Moriah. He served faithfully until his health no longer permitted him to do so. He also loved his family and enjoyed visiting them during the holidays. James was truly a gentle soul.

James’s gentle spirit left this earthly planet on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. He leaves to cherish his memory: Juanita Norris of Spartanburg, S.C. , wife, Licita Knuckes of Duncan, S.C, Jamar James Norris-Miller (Sherelle), Valishia Renee Norris-Logan (Bradley), of Spartanburg, S.C, (children) of Charlotte, N.C, Betty Allen of Baltimore, MD, Lillie Mae Norris of Spartanburg, S.C, Patricia (William) Richburg of Valdosta, GA, and Dorothy Norris-Landrum of Spartanburg, S.C. (siblings), and a host of nieces, nephews, and other friends.

Visitation will be held 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2026 at the J.S. Woodward Memorial Chapel.

Funeral Services will be held 12:00 noon Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Spartanburg, South Carolina. Burial with military honors will take place at Heritage Memorial Gardens, Roebuck, South Carolina 29376.