James Norton

Posted 1/23/03

James Mathew Norton, 73, of Big Lake and formerly of Milaca, died at his home Friday, Jan. 17, 2003.

He was born Dec. 17, 1929 to William and Mattie Norton in Winona, Minn. He graduated from St. Charles High School in St. Charles, Minn., in 1947. He married Erma Jean Pape on July 9, 1955 in Elba, Minn. They had six children. James owned and operated his own bar and restaurant along with his wife Erma for several years until their retirement in 1994. James resided in Kerrick, Minn., on his daughter Dianeís farm until September 2002, when he moved with his daughter Paula and her husband Bill to Big Lake, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Erma; parents, William and Mattie; and his brother, Raymond.

He is survived by two brothers, John of Port Angles, Wash., and Bill of St. Charles, Minn.; sister, Pat of Rochester, Minn; four daughters, Pam (Gary) Dahlberg of Willmar, Kathy (LeRoy) McKeown of Goodhue, Paula (Bill) Hoium of Big Lake and Diane (Jerry) Firkus of Kerrick; two sons, Mike (Mona) Norton of Grand Meadow and Dan (Kelly) Norton of Eagan; 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and many friends.

A memorial service is scheduled Saturday, Jan. 25, at 1 p.m. at the Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home in Milaca. Arrangements are by Dareís Funeral Home of Elk River,