James "Jimmy" W. Norton, Jr.

Red Springs

James Walter “Jimmy” Norton, Jr., 93, formerly of Clinton, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Red Springs Assisted Living Facility with his son by his side. 

Funeral Services will be held Monday, May 15, 2017 at 3:00 pm at Clinton Community Church with Rev. Dwight Dunning officiating.  Burial will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Salemburg, with Military Honors. 

Born on November 5, 1923 in Red Springs, Jimmy was the son of the late James Walter Norton, Sr. and Rochelle Butler Norton.  His family moved to Salemburg when he was three years old and he stayed in Sampson County for most his life.  After retiring from the United States Navy as a Chief-Warrant Officer in 1960, Jimmy was elected Sheriff of Sampson County, serving the county from 1966-1969.  He was also former co-owner and president of Sunrise Memorial Gardens, as well as owner-operator of two other stores in Salemburg.  Jimmy also was a retired US Marshall with the Department of Justice, appointed by President Richard Nixon and a member of Clinton Community Church.  

Jimmy is survived by his son, Thomas G. “Tommy” Norton of Red Springs; three sisters: Frances Lane of Portsmouth, VA; Phyllis Baggett of Highland Springs, VA, Lynette Davis of Union, NJ; and one brother, A.D. Norton of Clinton. He was also blessed with four granddaughters, one grandson; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Selby Alexander Norton; one son, Jimmy A. Norton; brothers: Henry Graham Norton and Elliott Mack Norton; one sister, Molly Wood; and a great-grandson, Dylan McKelvey. 

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Monday, beginning at 2pm at the church. 

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Norton Family.