Arthur J. Norris

Arthur James Norris, age 87 of Kalamazoo, went to be with the Lord while in Hospice care on January 14, 2023. He was born on February 9, 1935, in Kalamazoo, the son of James and Ethel Norris. Art attended Kalamazoo Central High School. On February 20, 1953, Arthur and Barbara Wilson were united in marriage. He began his career as a restaurateur at Schwartz’s Restaurants in Kalamazoo becoming GM of its many locations throughout the Kalamazoo area. In 1984 Art and Barb acquired the Shagnasti Restaurant in Gobles followed by their 2nd restaurant, Village Inn in Allegan. They operated both restaurants until their retirement in 2000 when the couple moved to Florida. In the 20 years living in Sebastian, FL, Arthur volunteered for many organizations including the Sebastian Inlet State Park, their Sebastian Christian Church, and the Sebastian Thrift Store. He was a faithful neighbor and friend. Art derived pleasure working in his well-maintained yard where he could feed the birds and squirrels and observe nature. Art loved to travel and he and Barbara often took trips and cruises with numerous friends and family. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed golf, and was often found tinkering in his backyard shed. His family includes his beloved wife, Barbara Norris; sons: David (Debby) Norris and Ron (Mary) Norris; his grandchildren: Kelly (Carter) Griffin, Jessica Johnson, Andrea Tripp, Rachelle Norris, Amy (Dion) Campbell, and Amanda (Brian) Noyes; his 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Joann Hamilton; sister-in-law, Ann Johnson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Norris and Ethel Moser; son, Steven Norris; grandson, Michael Norris; his brother, Harry Norris; and his sisters: Charlene Kesterson and Beverly Flegal. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, February 3rd, 2023, visitation at 10:00 with service at 11:00 AM and luncheon following at Pathfinder Church, 8740 S Westnedge Ave. with Pastor Ron Hansen officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Sebastian Christian Church or a charity of your choice. Please visit Art’s memory page to share memories with his family at www.langelands.com