Norman James

Norman L. James, 85, Independence, passed away Sunday, November 23, 2014. Norman was born in Albany, MO on November 25, 1928 to Joseph and Juanita (Dodge) James. He grew up on a farm at Carmack Junction. He graduated from Albany High School in 1946. He received his B.S. degree in Physical Education and Geography from Northwest Missouri State University, and later attended Central Missouri State University where he received his Masters of Science in Physical Education. He was drafted into the Army in 1950. He served as a Private 1st Class during the Korean War. On August 20, 1951, he married Nola (Butler) James. Nola preceded him in death in 1994. On June 20, 2000, Norman married Ruby Stewart. Norman was a history teacher and head football coach at William Chrisman High School from 1958 to 1963. In 1964 he became the first Athletic Director of the Independence School District. He retired in the spring of 1983. He earned the title of Missouri State Athletic Director of the Year in 1976. Norman was inducted into the William Chrisman Football Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Truman High School Football Hall of Fame in 2012. He received the Missouri State High school Activities Association Distinguished Service Award in 1991. The Independence All School Stadium football field was dedicated as the Norman James Field in 1998. In 2001, he was inducted into the Northwest Missouri State University Football Hall of Fame for his contribution as an outstanding running back. Norman was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Independence, MO. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #21. Norman is survived by his wife, Ruby; daughters, Nancy Rohr (Doug), Ann Porter (Jeff); brothers, Fred James (Janis), Robert James (Norma), sister-in-law, Leontine Butler; Step-daughters, Kathy Kilgore (Gary), Laura Peterson (Randy), and step-son, Matthew Stewart. Norman has five grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Suburban Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, at Grandview Cemetery in Albany, MO. Donations in Norman’s memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)