James W. Norton

James W. Norton, 81, of Smithboro, passed away at his home on Monday morning, June 27, 2022 following a brief period of declining health. Jim, as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, was born on February 18, 1941 in Barton, NY, a son of the late Claude and Ethel (Silsbee) Norton. Jim was a graduate of Tioga Central, Class of 1959 and as anyone who knew Jim could tell you, he was a hard worker from the time he still wore short pants. Over the course of his lifetime, Jim held many different jobs. As a young man, he worked for a time on Ken Pipher's farm. Moving from farm to industry, he was employed for over 30 years by IBM, retiring from Production Control. Always needing to keep busy, after retiring from IBM Jim drove school bus for the Tioga Central School District, where he considered his ability to "tune out noise" to be an essential bus driver's skill. But Jim never lost his love of farming and in his heart always thought of himself as a farm boy. For many years, he hauled milk for his good friend, Louie Zorn. Later, he traded milk for propane and many people will remember Jim as their delivery driver for Scott Smith & Son. Dedicated to his community, Jim was a lifetime member of the Tioga Center Fire Dept. where he served as Chief and on the Board of Commissioners for the Tioga Fire District. He was also a charter member of the Tioga Center Emergency Squad and member of the Tioga County Search and Rescue Team. Jim was a member of the Barton United Methodist Church, where he served as Trustee and Chairman. Jim greatly enjoyed visiting with people, driving too slowly, talking about his tractor collection, and telling stories and lots of really bad jokes. He was a regular at Sallie's Country Kitchen, where his ability to stretch out the amount of time required to drink a cup of coffee and eat one turnover remains unsurpassed. He also enjoyed "discussing" why the Yankees are the worst baseball time in the history of the sport with his son-in-law Marty, and anyone else who would listen. Jim will be truly missed by his community and many friends. Jim is survived by his daughters: Kris Montes and Jill Taylor; his grandchildren: Jade Montes and Adam Taylor; Vicki Benjamin, who provided indispensable care and support to him in his final months; a sister-in-law: Debbie Norton; several nieces, nephews and their families. Jim was predeceased by his parents; his sister Erma; brothers: Ken, Gordon, Dick and Larry. Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation on Tuesday, July 5th from 6 to 8 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 6th at 10 am in the Barton Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting his guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the Tioga Center Fire Dept., PO Box 185, Tioga Center, NY 13845 in loving memory of James W. Norton. Cemetery Details