James Elro (known by everyone as J.E.) Norris passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2022, on the winter solstice. J.E. was born in Mangum on October 17, 1939. He was preceded in death by his father J.E. (Short) Norris and his mother Violet. He graduated from Reed High School in 1958 and was an avid basketball player. He loved being a farmer and rancher and working with his family to grow wheat, cotton, and other crops, and raise cattle. J.E. also served as a rifleman in the U.S Army.
He had a passion for the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish. His love of fishing culminated with an adventure to Alaska with friends and returning with a bounty of halibut. He was a great host, organizing events for the Mangum Elks Club and the Community with barbeques along with the annual Easter Egg hunt.
His cookouts were always a delicious mix of his baby-back ribs, Preston’s fried fish and hushpuppies, Bertha’s sheet cake, Sally’s potato salad and Laurie’s stuffed peppers. His friends called him Jake and he enjoyed his Westerns, especially those with his favorite star “the Duke”. He loved watching OU and the Dallas Cowboys compete on the gridiron as well.
He was a son of Greer County, through and through. He is survived by his son Todd Dennis, daughter-in-law Penny and granddaughter Christina and his longtime companion Terri Allen.
To send flowers in memory of James Elro Norris, visit the Tribute Store.
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Graveside
30
Dec
Mangum, OK 73553
Mangum, OK 73554
