James Elliot Norman age 75, passed away Friday evening, November 14, 2025, at his home in Orem, Utah. He was born July 3, 1950, in Lehi, Utah, a son to Stella and Clive Norman.

James was a loving soul with an infectious smile, who never failed to make us laugh. He grew up in Lehi and Holladay, Utah with his siblings Clifford Norman, Andrea Loyd, Keith Norman, Paul Norman, Becky Taylor, and Sheryl Tenney.

James graduated from Brigham Young University in 1976 with a degree in English and Portuguese. He served an LDS mission in Rio, Brazil.

James met Donna Jean White at Lagoon in September 1973 and they were married in December the same year. They enjoyed life and faced many challenges together in the 52 years they were together. He was a devoted father to Rachael Norman Rhodes, Earl Norman, James Clive Norman, and Richard Norman. He was a loving and playful grandfather to his 15 grandchildren. James loved his family more than anything and was always there to lend a helping hand.

James took great pride in being a banjo musician, and played in a bluegrass band with his much loved childhood friends Mark Dangerfield and Brian Noyce. James spread happiness and joy everywhere he went. His love for music and his big smile was all that was needed. His generosity was unmatched. Nothing made him happier than watching his boys play basketball and making salsa for his loved ones with the tomatoes from his "Garden Joy". His favorite movie, Life is Beautiful, shows that happiness is something we choose, a motto that James lived by. The most obvious thing to say about James is that he was forever an optimist.

James is preceded in death by his mother Stella Norman and his father Clive Norman.

James is survived by his wife, Donna Norman, his children, Rachael Jean Norman Rhodes , Earl Norman, James Clive Norman, Richard Norman, his brothers Clifford Norman, Keith Norman, Paul Norman, his sisters, Andrea Loyd and Sheryl Tenney, and his 15 grandchildren

A celebration of James' life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Timp View 5th Ward, 865 W 1000 N, Orem, UT 84057. Condolences with family at 10:30am, Service at 12:00pm, Family Luncheon at 1:00pm.

"Work Hard and Play Hard"