James Norman

Norman, James Arthur "Jim" of Minneapolis died of complications of Parkinson's on Tuesday, August 27th, at the age of 88. He was born to Arthur and Inga Norman in Minneapolis on October 31, 1935. He attended Hiawatha Elementary School; Sanford Junior High School; and Roosevelt High School. Growing up, he was involved in the development of his Christian faith early in life, nurtured by his parents and church activities, learning to call Jesus his savior and friend.

He attended Augsburg College where he earned a degree in English and Speech. He taught 9th and 10th Grade English for two years at Benson High School, where he met Shirley Syverson, the girls' physical education teacher. They were married in June of 1960.

Desiring to become a school guidance counselor, he earned a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology at the U of M and began his counseling career at the University High School on the U of M campus. From 1963 to 1969, Jim was a high school counselor in Chofu, Japan (near Tokyo) and Frankfurt, Germany, working in American schools for the children of military personnel stationed overseas. Son, Karl, and daughter, Heidi, were born in Frankfurt.

Returning to the US in 1969, Jim began counseling/advising students at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, retiring in 1997. Throughout his life Jim was active in fitness, professional, civic and religious organizations, having held top leadership positions in Augsburg student government, the Minnesota State Community College Faculty Association, the Overseas Education Association, the former Augustana Home, and Messiah Lutheran Church council. He served one term in the Minnesota State Legislature. At one time, he and Shirley published a neighborhood newspaper, the "Hiawatha Happenings."

He was a lifetime member of the YMCA and had a little gym in his basement. He played 4-wall handball, mainly doubles, two or three times a week for 50 years. His exercise routine included weight training, stationary biking and rowing. When he had the opportunity, he also played tennis, pickleball and table tennis.

Jim and his wife were avid tandem bikers, first on an upright and then on a recumbent. They logged thousands of miles on many trails and roads, mainly in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona and Florida. A favorite ride was the Cannon Valley Trail between Cannon Falls and Red Wing Minnesota. They also enjoyed traveling to and visiting over 40 countries.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Laurel Whitehead; and brothers-in-law, Charles Whitehead, Lewis Hall, and Jerry Syverson.

Jim is survived by his cherished wife, Shirley, of 64 years; son, Karl (Mish) of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter, Heidi Wise (John) of Chetek, Wisconsin; grandson, Peter Wise of Chetek, Wisconsin; a brother-in-law, Van (Beverly) Syverson of Banning, California; sisters-in-law, Madelon Hall of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Barbara Syverson of Land O'Lakes, Florida; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 28th at Bethlehem Covenant Church, 3141 43rd Avenue South in Minneapolis, with visitation one hour preceding, and lunch following in the church parlors.

Memorials may be given to Bethlehem Covenant Church or to donor's choice.