Beverly - James Bernard Norton, Jr., passed away on December 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by the family who adored him.

Born on November 7th, 1960, to Virginia and James Norton, Sr., Jim grew up in Beverly, where his humor, energy, and magnetic personality took root early on. He graduated from Beverly High School, proudly playing football and serving as a captain of the 1979 lacrosse team before attending Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Jim built a long and successful career with Northwest and Delta Airlines, where he was known as a dedicated colleague, a mentor and friend. His quick wit and genuine ability to connect with others was appreciated by all.

In August of 1983, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Catherine Doane, and together, over 42 years, he and Cathy built a life overflowing with love, laughter, open doors, and beautiful memories. Their home was a haven—always warm, always full of friends and family, always stocked with stories and the sound of Jim's unmistakable and infectious laugh. He was the ultimate host, happiest with the grill fired up, a cold drink in hand, and people he loved gathered around him.

Jim found joy in the simpler things: a perfectly mowed lawn, Fourth of July celebrations at West Beach, cheering from the deck during family barbecues, and every moment spent watching his beloved grandson Jack play in the backyard. Humor was Jim's second language, and he used it generously—to welcome, to comfort, and to create connection. When you met Jim once, you felt like you'd known him your whole life and you always looked forward to seeing him again.

Jim was the proud father of James B. III (Jay) and his wife, Katie, son, Stephen, daughter Kathleen (Kate), and the light of his life, his grandson James B. IV (Jack). Jim's greatest pride and purpose were his children; through every stage of life, they were his best friends and his favorite company; he instilled in each of them his greatest qualities of love, kindness and effortless humor.

He is survived by his brothers, George Norton and Sean Norton and his wife Eileen; brothers and sisters-in-law Michael Doane (Terri), Mary Cohen (Richard), Paul Doane (Erin), Elizabeth Kelly (Daniel), Peter Doane (Marianne) and John Doane (Christine); along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and "The Crew" an amazing group of life-long friends.

Jim's memory will forever be carried forward in his generosity, his kindness, and his gift for making every person feel seen and welcomed. Even in the most ordinary moments, Jim had a way of making life feel lighter, brighter, and a little more like home — a gift we will carry with us always. Because of him, we know how to love bigger, laugh easier, and welcome people fully — a legacy that will live on through us all.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, 111 New Balch St., Beverly on Wednesday, January 7, at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot St., on Tuesday, January 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial will be at Central Cemetery, Butman St., Beverly. Contributions may be made in Jim's memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute for Pancreatic Cancer Research, P.O. Box, 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or online at Dana-farber.org/give. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.