James "Wayne" Norton's Obituary
James “Wayne” Norton, age 73 of Gainesville, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2015. Wayne was born August 22, 1941 in Dade City, Florida. He attended the University of Florida and Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN. He worked as an elementary school teacher prior to starting Alachua Tree Service in 1960. Wayne was an environmentalist who worked on wildlife restoration projects including Tennessee Valley Authority, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, National Forest Council and George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center, where he was featured in National Geographic, Time and Life magazines.
Wayne also supported the arts and served on several boards and committees including Dance Alive Ballet, Gainesville Orchestra, Civitan, LifeSouth Blood Bank, he was a 14 gallon donor, Friends of Paynes Prairie and Friends of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Among his many and varied interests, he enjoyed listening to classical music, restored Sunbeam Alpines and was a member of the Sunbeam Alpine Car Club of America. Wayne was also an avid Gator fan. He loved his North Carolina mountains and spent much time enjoying the beauty of the Blueridge. He had a heart for all animals and was well known for having rescued over 1000 cats stuck in trees. He participated in restoring wildlife to their habitat working with Florida Wildlife Care. He contributed to many pet rescue efforts and saved the lives of his own beloved dogs and cats. The most important thing in Wayne's life was his family and his son Woody considered him his best friend. He was a great friend to so many and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his life partner, Sharon Edwards; children, Woody H. Norton (Jane), Trisha Lynn Sharrock (Steve) and Denise Elaine Norton and their mother, Patricia Magnus; granddaughter, Carley Lynn Sharrock; brothers, Jesse L. Norton and Lamar A. Courtney (Susan), nieces, Kami, Chloe and Peyton and nephews, Larry, Derek and Jackson.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 2:00 p.m., in the Summer House at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive, with Pastor Melissa Piscoe officiating. Those who wish may make memorials to a charity of your choice in Wayne’s honor.
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