James "Jim" Norcross

Sep 28, 2023

James "Jim" Henry Norcross, age 94, of Willow, Alaska, passed away peacefully with family by his side while at the Alaska Veterans and Pioneer Home.

Jim was born in Lacrosse, Wis., on Oct. 12, 1928, the son of Henry and Beatrice Norcross. Jim graduated from Logan High School and then tried to enlist in the Army Air Corps in 1944, but got caught because he was only 16. He then reenlisted on his 17th birthday and was transferred overseas. He served until 1947, and returned home. He pursued his passion for flying, obtaining his pilot's license in 1947. Jim stayed, working in the Wisconsin-Minnesota area until 1960, then started his journey north to Alaska, where he met his wife, Irene, of 56 years. Jim and Irene raised four children: Jackie, Arlene Jimmy and Diane. He went to work for the Air Force at Elmendorf Air Force Base as a civil and electrical engineer in 1961. He was transferred to Tatalina White Alice Radar Site in 1971. He moved his family to McGrath, Alaska, where Jim flew his Piper Super Cub to and from work daily. Jim and his longtime friend Neil Stoneburg would go out gold prospecting on the weekends. A local miner in the area later sold them some mining claims. Jim continued working for the Air Force until 1981. He was working in Galena, Alaska, when he retired from the Air Force. After retirement, Jim and Neil continued to gold mine until 1989. After retiring from gold mining, Jim and Irene moved back to Willow, where Jim was appointed to the Willow Area Service Board. He was very involved in the local area veteran organizations. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with his family, Jim and Irene traveling between Alaska and Arizona until her passing in 2019.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; mother and father; two brothers, Harris and Walace; and three sisters, Hazel, Dorothy and Margret. Jim is survived by his children, Jackie and Jim Hummel, Arlene and Larry Phillips, James Norcross II, Diane Norcross and partner Randy Brown, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A ceremony to honor and celebrate Jim's life will be held at the Willow United Methodist Church, 29286 George Parks Highway in Willow, on April 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. Friends, family and all those whose lives were touched by Jim are invited to join in commemorating his remarkable journey.

May his legacy of courage and kindness continue to inspire us all.