James "Jim" Z. Norman, 92, of Washington, Mo., formerly of Qulin, Mo., entered into the arms of Jesus on May 22, 2017 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Jim, son of James H. Norman and wife, Ella, nee Barnes, was born July 8, 1924 in Qulin, Mo. He was united in marriage to Velma Hast on August 9, 1946 in Poplar Bluff, Mo. and two daughters came to bless this union.
Jim was a born again Christian and longtime member of Faith Baptist Church, Washington. One of his great joys was the fellowship with his church buddies. Whether it was traveling to a Mizzou basketball game, attending gospel bluegrass concerts or their Wednesday lunch dates - he loved spending time with his "brothers".
Jim retired from the St. Louis County Park & Recreation where he spent many years developing and managing several of the beautiful parks and complexes that are enjoyed by many today. He and Velma retired to Branson, the town that they loved and had vacationed in for many years. He faithfully served his church and community as a hospice volunteer. In 1992, they relocated to Washington to be closer to family. He continued to serve with a church ministry dedicated to our area cancer patients.
He was an avid sports fan. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. Most of all, spending time with family creating memories that will be cherished forever During his retirement years he could be found riding Silver Dollar City's "Fire In the Hole" with the grandkids.
Jim is survived by his wife of 70 years Velma; two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda (John) Scott of Bowling Green, Ky. and Tammy (Patrick) Milligan of Lake Sherwood, Mo.; four grandchildren, John (Cherie) Scott, Jr. and Tammy (Craig) Gibson of Bowling Green, Ky., Patrick (Michelle) Milligan of Lake Sherwood and Christa (Jeff) Duncan of Washington; eight great grandchildren, Amber (Dustin) Ferrell, Jonathan Scott, Madelyn and Collin Williams, James and Kaitlyn Milligan, Emma and Meredith Duncan; and one great-great granddaughter, Lennon Ferrell who is due to be born June 30th; two nephews, Dwight (Marilyn) Seely of Shreveport, La. and Darrell (Sandy) Seely of San Antonio, Texas; cousins, other relatives and many friend.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and brother-in-law Wilma and Eugene Seely, two brothers-in-law Adam and Claude Hast and his beloved great granddaughter, Kara Milligan.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25 from 10 - 11 am. at Faith Baptist Church, Washington, with the service immediately following. Rev. Fred Broome will be officiating. Graveside service and interment will be at 12:30 p.m. on May 26, with family and friends in Qulin, Mo.
Memorial donations are appreciated to the Faith Baptist Church Building Fund. Arrangements are in care of Oltmann Funeral Home, Washington and White-Sanders Funeral Home in Qulin, Mo.
Paid