James Charles Norton, 77, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away on November 1, 2026, in Colon, Michigan. He was born on August 8, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois.

James was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School, Class of 1967. He went on to build a long and steady career with AT&T, where he worked as a service technician for 30 years before retiring. His work reflected the dedication and reliability that marked so much of his life.

He embraced life with a deep appreciation for the outdoors and for time spent near the water. A licensed Master Captain, James especially enjoyed boating and the water, along with hunting and fishing. Florida held a special place in his life, and he lived there for the last 20 years before recently moving to Colon. He was also active in a number of organizations, including the Elks Club, the Moose Lodge, and the SAL.

James will be remembered most dearly by his family. He is survived by his sons, Timothy Norton and his wife, Aimee, Marc Norton, and Justin Norton. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Lindsey, TJ, and Mackenzie, as well as his great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Locklan. He is further survived by his siblings, Patricia Kocher, Karen Wartman, Michael Norton, Daniel Norton, Maureen Schultz, and Bonnie Ramirez. The love of his family and the many connections he maintained throughout his life formed an enduring part of his legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles W. Norton and Florence Anne Norton.

James will be remembered as a hardworking man who valued family, friendship, and the simple pleasures of life—especially time on the water and in the outdoors. His memory will be carried forward by those who knew him and loved him.