James Edward “Jim” Norton, 89

James Edward “Jim” Norton, age 89 of Hendersonville, loving husband, dad, granddad, great-granddad, brother and friend to many, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 30th, 2018 following a short period of declining health. Jim was born on March 26th, 1928 in Swannanoa; to the late Steven Ezra Norton and Vernie Mae Smith Norton. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucille Padgett Norton, step-daughter, Diane Cone and by sister, Sarah Modena Norton.

He was raised in Marion and lived in Asheville for most of his adult life before moving to Hendersonville. He retired as General Manager from Budweiser of Asheville and Fox Distributing of Shelby; he also was employed with Raeben/Triangle Stop in Hendersonville.

Jim loved his family, his church, children, golf, birds, camping and he was an avid Tarheel fan. He played minor league baseball (shortstop) with the Dunn Erwin Twins Tobacco State League. He was a lifetime member of Hendersonville Elks Lodge 1616 and Kedron Masonic Lodge #387. Jim’s philosophy was you had to be a friend to make a friend, and he was a friend to many. He was known to have a firm handshake and often said that you could tell the character of a person by their handshake. He also prided himself in remembering people’s names.

Left behind to cherish his memories are his wife of thirty-two years, Carolyn Peeler Norton; his five children, Karen Withrow and husband, Larry of Marion, Kevin Norton and wife, Kim of Weechi Wachi, FL, Rhonda Larimore and husband, Bill of Crystal River, FL, Pamela Coleman and husband, Tom of Juno Beach, FL, and Randy Norton (Ginger Teseniar) of Kings Mountain, NC; six grandchildren, Leslie Davis and husband, Troy of Seal Beach, CA, Greg Withrow and wife, Jenny of Marion, Natalie Truesdell and husband, Tyler of Cameron, NC, Colin Coleman (Loden Malone) of Charlotte, Summer Mobley of Kings Mountain and Stephanie McCall and husband, Lance of Camp Hill, PA; eight great-grandchildren, Abbigail, Noah and Cullen Truesdall, Harper and Carter Davis, Ryder and Rae Withrow and Kendall McCall; one sister, Ronell McCall and husband, Wayne of Marion; and a special nephew, Todd Anders and wife, Renee.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, February 5th, 2018 in the Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville officiated by the Reverend Dr. Mark Ralls and Reverend Christy Sharp. Burial will be private at Lewis Memorial Park in Asheville.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon prior to the service at the church.

Flowers are accepted and appreciated, those who wish to make a memorial donation are asked to consider the Shriners Hospital For Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.