James Edgar Norris, 87, of Columbia City, died peacefully in the company of family at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at his home.

Born on August 17, 1938, in Berea, Ohio, he was one of two children born to the late Fred B. and Mary Alice (Erickson) Norris. Growing up in Churubusco, Jim graduated from Churubusco High School in 1956. Continuing his education, he earned a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering from Indiana Tech, Fort Wayne in 1960.

On July 4, 1959, he married Linda L. Schlotterbach at the Merriam Christian Chapel Church, beginning their 67-year journey together raising four boys. They made their home in the Churubusco area, retiring to Zephyrhills, FL. For the past eleven years, the couple has lived in Columbia City.

After graduating from college, Jim joined International Harvester, Fort Wayne (now Navistar) in the Engineering Design and Sales Engineering department. Except for Asia, his work took him around the globe working on various projects for IH/Navistar. He retired in 1995 with 35 years of service.

Jim was a committed follower of Jesus his entire adult life, serving in many different roles through the years at Merriam Christian Chapel and the Good News Baptist Church, participating in many mission trips to Mexico. In his quiet time, Jim often studied the Bible. He and his wife were currently attending Wolf Lake Baptist Church.

At home, Jim kept busy applying his engineering skills to repair and maintain their vehicles and perform maintenance on the house.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 67 years, Linda; sons, James E. (Marilyn) Norris, II of Indianapolis, Scott (Cindy) Norris of Fort Wayne, William (Dawn) Norris of Churubusco, and Lee (Melissa) Norris of Boulder, MT; eleven grandchildren; and twenty-three great-grandchildren.

Additionally, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Norris.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday (August 11th) at the Christian Chapel Cemetery in Merriam, 4066 S Oak St, Albion, IN 46701. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Jim’s honor are to the Wolf Lake Baptist Church or Parkview Home Health and Hospice.