Norman H. James
Date of Passing:
Norman H. James, 91, of New Meadow Road, Barrington, died unexpectedly at home on April 5, 2024. He was the loving husband of Louise A. James.
Born in Llanelli Wales, United Kingdom. Norman was a son of the late Richard and Marjorie (Howell) James. Norman was a graduate of Clifton College in Bristol, England. He came to the United States at the age of 19 on the RMS Queen Mary Ocean liner, entering at Ellis Island. Norman taught science at The Allendale Columbia School in Rochester, New York before attending McGill University Medical School in Montreal, Canada. It was in Montreal that he became smitten with Louise, his wife who was by his side at his death. Norman quit Medical School and worked on Resolution Island in very northern Quebec to finance the family he and Louise would start in Labrieville, Quebec.
With 2 sons and 2 daughters Norman and Louise moved to Montreal near the wife’s large and loving family. In 1963 Norman was on the Canadian Broadcasting Service explaining what a computer was to the Canadian people. Always tenacious in his desire to provide a better life for his family, Following a position with the business consulting firm, Booze, Allen & Hamilton planning and building “EXPO ‘67” in Montreal, Norman was offered a job that would require the family to move to the United States.
The family moved to Babylon, Long Island, New York where Norman worked in Manhattan being hired by his client International Telephone & Telegraph (ITT). During this period Norman traveled the world on behalf of ITT covering all South America, the Middle East and Scandanavia. ITT owned The Grinell Corporation and Norman joined the company continuing to travel the world with Barrington, Rhode Island as his family’s new home. He lived in Barrington for 49 years with a brief hiatus in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Later in life he would establish his own consulting firm, N.H. James & Associates with clients AT&T, IBM, and XEROX.
All through his life Norman loved the sea and the beaches in Wales, Long Island and finally in Rhode Island. Norman was a sailor early in life and later a motorboat owner, or “stinkpot” as he called them. Spending precious weekends with his children and their numerous friends at Cedar Beach in Long Island was his favorite pastime.
Norman was a Master Mason and held the Position of Grand Master of Charity Lodge #23 in South County. He was also a long time member of Alcoholics Anonymous and was proud of the help he received and gave to others. To this end Norman was a founder of the Galilee Mission, Inc. in 1984 in Naragansett, RI. An organization providing recovery and hope to adult males who are dependent on alcohol and/or drugs.
Norman was a devoted Welsh Rugby Team fan and enjoyed watching matches with his sometimes similarly thrilled family.
Besides his wife of 68 years, he is survived by his children, Richard H. James and his wife Gail of Riverside, Tessa A. Rivera and her husband Ralph of Enfield, CT, Peter N. James and his partner Ronda Carvalhal of Gloucester, RI and Lisa M. Curtis and her husband Clark of Rehoboth, MA, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Dr. Betty Glanville.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Calling Hours on Tuesday April 9, 2024, in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 4PM -8PM.
Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Norman’s memory to the Galilee Mission Inc., 268 Kingstown Road, Narragansett, RI 02882 would be deeply appreciated.
Richard,
May your dad’s spirit radiate down upon you & his loved ones and his fond memories uplift & strengthen your hearts! 🙏🏼
My condolences to my Aunt Louise and all my cousins! Norman was a great man and I was fortunate to spend a few years working for him and living with him. Even way back when I was young, I was always fascinated by his stories of playing ruger (or at least I think that’s what they called it way back when).
Norman brought me to the USA where I have lived for the past 29 years! It was during the time that I worked for him that I really learned how smart he was and he never tires to telling stories about past projects he had worked on all the while guiding this young project manager into a new field.
He will be missed but always remembered.
So sad to hear of Norman’s passing,we will certainly miss his visits to Pembrokeshire Wales.Our sincere condolences to the whole family .
my uncle norman help me with my alcohol problem he taught me how to swim at lake tiitus malone he brought me to his rugby games he was a great uncle rsp in peace uncle norman auntie louise and my cousins my condolences god bless
Just learned that Norman’s wake is today. My love to you, Louise, and sincere condolences to your family. Not long ago I talked with Norm and can’t believe he’s gone. We shared our British heritage, both came over on the Queen Mary, and loved the beach. So glad to have such fond memories of him.
Richard, It was my pleasure to meet your father and mother on your birthday at your house in Riverside. As was my practice, I began to complain about my job. Your dad asked me a series of questions to determine what it was that I did not like in my profession. He quickly concluded that I should hire people to perform the tasks I did not enjoy. His joy and talent and problem-solving was evident as was the patient and loving interaction with your mother. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Norman was very much a gentleman and he taught me a few Welch phrases, but didn’t boast, but rather humbly stated that he didn’t speak the language fluently.
Norm was an inspiration to many myself among them. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Condolences to his family.
Norman was a wonderful man. He was very kind and he helped me a great deal.
My condolences to his family.
Norman was a special soul and a beautiful gentleman. He touched my heart and it was a delight to know him through our gatherings on Orchard Avenue. He will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences to his wife and children.
A role model and a family man. Always nice to us teenagers. You could see the love in the home. Your often judged by the generations you leave behind and there are none better. Prayers to all.
Dermot & I were so sad to hear of Norman’s passing. He was a bright and genuinely kind man. We loved hearing his stories from his varied life experiences. Norman was a gentleman and we will miss spending time with him.
Our love goes out to Louise and family.
So very sorry to about your dad passing, he was a sweet and gentle soul, Louise and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. May your fond memories help you through this difficult time.
Louise and family -so sorry for loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Louise and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts are with the entire James family! Smart, funny and kind to a fault, all the family share these qualities. Bless you all during this difficult time.
My condolences to you Richard and your mother and your family. He was a sweetheart! I loved listening to him in the meetings. I’m praying for you all.
It’s so difficult to lose a loved one. May God Bless you all!
Hi Richard. You know your dad and I became very good friends through the fellowship. He was one of my favorites. A brilliant man with a beautiful heart. While painting his house your mom was very gracious and always offered to make me lunch. Visiting with her was a joy she is a remarkable woman. You are blessed with beautiful parents my good man. God bless you and yours.
What a life he lived. Condolences to his family.
My condolences , I have so many great memories of Uncle Normie from Malone. Teaching me to swim is my best memory. As an adult I am truly grateful how quickly he came to Ottawa to help my brother. I will miss him and cherish my memories. Love Angela and family.
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad . He was such a sweet man and so considerate. He made the trip from the states to attend my mom’s 89 th birthday and it meant so much to her . Our sincere condolences to Louise and his children . RIP Norman
I’m very sorry for your loss. I’m a friend of Richard and was able to have the privilege to meet Norm many times. It’s never easy loosing a loved one. Im praying for your family.
My condolences to Louise and her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I met Norman through Louise’s Saturday morning coffee group. I often spoke with Norman, listening to stories of his childhood or jobs he had worked on.I will miss him dearly.