James Norford

James Roger Norford, 79, of Fort Wayne, passed away on November 1, 2023, at Stillwater Hospice. He was born in Auburn, on August 21, 1944, to the late James Robert and Mary Alice (Bracht) Norford. He spent his formative years in Auburn, where he played Little League Baseball, and graduated at the top of his class in 1962 from Auburn High School. He graduated with honors from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1966. After college, he went to work for General Motors in Warren, Michigan, in June of 1966. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force in October of 1966. He graduated from Officer's Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on January 4, 1967. He served at Edwards Air Force Base, California for four years. He received an honorable discharge as a Captain on January 4, 1971. He resumed his career at General Motors on January 20, 1971. He retired from General Motors in 2002 after 37 1/2 years. Jim and his mother lived together for 36 years after the early death of his father. They moved back to Fort Wayne to be near relatives after Jim's retirement. James is survived by seven cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Blackhawk Ministries, with calling one hour prior. Jim would like all memorials to be directed to his church Blackhawk Ministries and at his request no flowers. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.