James Kirk Norton

James Kirk Norton, 62, of Ash Grove, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2024. He was born on June 22, 1962, in Springfield, Missouri, to James Lee and Floy Darlene (Cobb) Norton. 

On February 7, 1994, James and Phebe Upshaw were united in marriage and shared over 30 years together. 

James was a man of faith, and he lived his life accordingly. He was humble, faithful, levelheaded, generous, and hospitable. James welcomed everyone into their home and enjoyed making fancy coffee. He had dreams of opening a cat café and wanting to live in an airplane hangar. 

James was working on becoming a pilot and he wanted to fly and do mission work, already helping on a mission trip planting a church in Mexico. He was a man of prayer and knew the Bible well. 

James was a brown belt in karate, loved his hats, Christmas and Halloween, and he also loved snow. 

James adored his family, especially his grandchildren. They will miss his corky sense of humor and calming presence.      

James is survived by his wife, Phebe Norton; children: Jennifer Laurvick and husband, Peter; Sarah Norton and Elijah Dean; Seth Norton; Breanna Norton; Isabel West and husband, Caden; Michelle Norton; grandchildren: Michael, Esther, Jackson; siblings: Jami Gay and husband, Dan; Russell Smith; Laura Smith; aunts: Judy Dudley and Roland; Kathie Battenfield and husband, Bruce; nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and many friends. 

James is preceded in death by his father, James Lee Norton; mother, F. Darlene Godfrey; stepfather, John Godfrey; and brother, Stan Smith. 

Visitation was 5-7 p.m., Friday, January 10, 2025, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove, Missouri.