Published on May 1, 2025 6:25 am
Last Updated on May 1, 2025 7:05 am
James Robert “Bob” Norris, 80, of Effingham, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.
Private family services will be held at a later date with burial at Watson Cemetery in Watson, IL. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
James was born on November 22, 1944, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of James M. and Mable L. (Shepard) Norris. Throughout his 80 years, he built a legacy of genuine relationships, quiet strength, and steadfast love that left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Bob’s life revolved around his family with the same unwavering constancy as his daily routines. As a father and grandfather, he poured his whole heart into every relationship. Whether he was coaching little league games (and occasionally arguing with umpires), trail-riding on one of his beloved horses, or tending to daily chores around the farm (muttering colorful phrases that the grandkids weren’t supposed to repeat), Bob made certain that family always came first. He possessed that rare gift of true presence – showing up fully for the big milestones and the quiet Tuesday afternoons alike. His reliability became legendary, as did his particular brand of tough, patient love. His passionate support for the Chicago Cubs never wavered despite decades of disappointment – “next year” was always going to be THE year until finally soothing his pain with a World Series win in 2016. And his dedication to Illini Men’s Basketball brought him equal measures of joy and heartbreak, often prompting living room coaching sessions that the actual team coaches unfortunately couldn’t hear.
But nothing in this world made his eyes light up quite like watching his sprawling family grow. He collected stories of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren like precious gems, retelling them (with increasing embellishment) to anyone who would listen. Bob’s legacy lives on in the values he hammered home at every opportunity – showing up when it matters, loving fiercely without apology, finding humor in life’s challenges, and never turning down a second slice of pie.
He is survived by his brother, Billy J. Norris (Melody); daughter, Dee Caravello (Tony); niece, Jamie Kessler and nephew, Adam Norris; grandchildren, Tony Caravello III (Kerry), Nicholas Glenn (Holly), Leslie Guinto (Nick), Bradley Caravello, Thomas Caravello (Ashley), Joey Caravello (Taylor), Santana Sanguiliano (Pauly), Taylor Horne (Jacob), Cory Revels (Becky), Kasey Holt (Ian) and Nathan Revels (Lea); and 23 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Norris Kelmar; daughters, Lori Revels and Lynda Gipson; nephew, Justin Norris; great-niece, Alicia Kessler; and great-granddaughter, Regan Elyse Glenn.