James A. Norvell, 91, of Great Bend, died Sunday morning in Bartlesville, Okla. James spent his last few months at his son Brian’s Bartlesville home. James Alfred Norvell was born the son of Ross and Georgie Fry Norvell on Sept. 14, 1922, in Piney, Ark. He grew up in various places until entering the United States Navy during World War II. During his service he served on various vessels and was present for the Allied Invasion of France. After his military service James went to western Kansas to do farm work. He soon ended up in the oilfields as a roughneck and worked with DAMAC Corp and Pickrell Drilling. James was united in marriage to Sandra Kay Russell on Aug. 12, 1960, in Great Bend where they made their lifelong home. Sandra preceded him in death on Aug. 14, 2004, after 44 years of marriage. James was a hard worker and a good provider for his family. He was an accomplished gardener and he specialized in tomatoes, growing many prize-winning tomatoes. Pepe the dog was his loyal companion and they shared countless hours together.
James is survived by his three children: Katherine Hughes and Robert of Urbana, Mo.; Jim Allen Norvell and Darlene of Great Bend; and Brian Norvell and Dena of Bartlesville, Okla.; one brother Dave Norvell of Tulsa, Okla.; one sister Virginia Houser of Tonganoxie; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers Willard Allen and Ross Norvell, sisters Ruth Schuster, Mary Steven and Nadine Riley, and grandson Michael Norvell.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at the Great Bend Cemetery with the Rev. Randy Parr officiating. Visitation, with family present, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday at the First Assembly of God in Great Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Great Bend Public Library, Attn: Library Director, 1409 Williams, Great Bend, KS 67530. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with James’ family at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Davis Family Funeral Home**
113 Osage (Hwy 75)
Dewey, OK 74029
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, July 8, 2014