Mr. James Earl Norman Obituary in Tallahassee at Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For Mr. James Earl Norman

James Earl Norman, 83, a retired professor and language enthusiast passed away onSaturday, May 27, 2023, in Tallahassee, FL. He was born on April 28, 1940, in Wilson County, NC to Minnie Etta (Norman) Porter and William Telfor.

James, raised by his loving grandparents Masco and Gertie Bullock Norman, grew up in Elm City, NC and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1957. He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served seven years, including two years stationed in Puerto Rico. He earned a Bachelors degree in secondary education from Southern Oregon University and a Masters degree at Howard University. In 1983, he earned a PhD in Spanish Language from Florida State University. He served as a foreign language professor at FAMU for over 20 years. Most notably, James was the founder and director of the International Translation Center where he offered interpretative services to federal, state, and local agencies. James was fluent in English, Spanish and French

James is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ruena Norman; daughter, Amber Regina Norman; brothers, William Porter, Jr. and Alvin Lee Porter; sister, Rachel Barksdale; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Porter.

A public viewing will be from 10am to 6pm, Friday, June 2, 2023 at Strong & Jones Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 12 (noon), Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Watson Temple Institutional COGIC in Tallahassee, FL. Burial will take place at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, Monday, June 5, 2023 at 11 A.M.

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

With deepest sympathy, We are sorry for the passing of your beloved husband. We thank the good Lord for the precious moments that we shared together. You are in our prayers. Love you Joe and Katherine Owens

To cousins Ruena and Amber, and the Norman family, though we try words alone cannot adequately provide comfort during this extremely difficult time. We must put our faith and trust in God who prepares a resting place for us all. God has many mansions and he has prepared one for dear James. He is now at rest with a glories view from the golden shore. With deepest sympathy, we keep you all in our prayers and thoughts.
Love, Cleo and Harry Murphy

To Dr. Ruena Norman & family. You have my deepest condolences on the loss of your family's Patriarch. May he rest in the arms of the Almighty & may God continue to bless you during this, your time of need.
Sincerely yours,
James L. Norman

🙏 Ltyson11@nc.rr.com

Dr.Ruena Norman,words cannot express the heartfelt condolences to you and Amber I will continue to keep you both covered in prayer. Maythe Lord's peace and blessings continue to keep you.Descansa bien Senor James Norman. Vandolyn Cambridge

My prayers and love are with you and your daughter. I would always call Dr. Ruena and say, "I just saw your husband on his bicycle...LOL." He will truly be missed. ~Angela Jackson~

Sympathy to the Norman family. James Earl was my cousin who I loved dearly. We had reconnected recently and we both were so happy to see each other again in Elm City. I talk God for allowing us to see each other again. Wish I could be there in person with my family but I can't but I do send my prayers and love. Sandra Cooper

To Rachel and the entire Norman Family, all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. James Earl was such a blessing to all who knew him. Especially to his students. May God bless and comfort you all during this difficult time.

To the Norman family, please accept our sincere condolences as you go through this season of mourning. May God's peace rest with you and may His strength sustain you.
Blessings
The Sherman Family

Ruena and Amber you are in our prayers. As tall as he was James Earl drove a Volkswagen beetle quite comfortably. His demeanor was always genuine and he would always care about how you were doing. With sincerity, Hilda and Larry Midlothian, VA

I'm really going to miss you 😢. From the laughter/encouraging conversations/the great advice and loving my mom treating her like your little sister will always be a memory for me. We will miss you terribly. Until we meet again sleep in peace Love Tyna and Bettye Holden

Leonard and Gwendolyn Thomas send our love and prayers as Dr. Ruena and Amber continue to live a life covered by God's grace in the passing of Dr. James Norman. May His peace and grace comfort your heart.
With deepest sympathy!

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc. | Tallahassee, FL