James Spencer Norwood

James Spencer Norwood, 92, of Belton, Texas went to be with our Lord and Savior on September 8, 2025 after living with Parkinson’s disease for many years. He passed peacefully at home and the family takes comfort in knowing he is reunited with the love of his life, Ann. He was born in Burleson, Texas on October 2, 1932. He was the son of James Washington Norwood and Baird Gulley Norwood. He lived in Burleson with his parents and brother, Frank, until his graduation in 1950. While in high school, he was actively involved in basketball, track and FFA. When Parkinson’s disease slowed him down, he would boast to the grandchildren, “at one time I was the fastest person in Johnson County” and had his awards to back it up. He was selected to the Texas FFA Dairy Judging team in 1947 where he competed in Columbus, Ohio. 

He was proud that his children, Kent and Kerri carried on the tradition by being members of their own high school FFA and collegiate dairy judging teams. He attended Texas Tech University and was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry. He continued his studies at Kansas State University and obtained a Master of Science in Dairy Husbandry in 1955. At this time, he began his professional teaching career at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. Not long after, he received his draft notice and entered the Army in 1956. During active duty, he was stationed in Straubing, Germany where he encountered the real meaning of snow. In 1958, while assigned Ready Reserves he continued his teaching career at Southwest Texas State University. That same year he won 1 st place in a Carbine shooting competition. Jim decided to further his education and returned to Kansas State University and received his PhD in 1963 in Animal Breeding. While his time at KSU, he met his future bride and they married in Albuquerque, NM on December 27, 1962. After teaching a short time at UT-Arlington, Jim and Ann moved to Commerce in 1963 and made it home and raised their family there. Jim taught in the Agriculture and Biology departments at East Texas State University for over 40 years. While his time in Commerce, he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Commerce, a member and President of the Commerce Rotary Club, a member and President of the CISD Board of Trustees, member of the Board of Directors for the Southwest Dairy Museum and a Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Texas for 65 years.

Jim “Papa” moved to Belton, Texas in 2017 to be closer to family. He attended the First Presbyterian Church of Belton and enjoyed his morning breakfast and friendships at Jaliscos Mexican Restaurant until he was no longer able. He thought the world of his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them play sports, compete in band competitions and participate in dance recitals.

James Spencer Norwood was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Baird Norwood, his brother, Frank G. Norwood, and his loving wife of 46 years, Ann Barlow Norwood. He leaves behind a son, James Kent Norwood and wife Marcy of Melissa, Texas, a daughter Kerri Costa and husband Steven of Belton, Texas, and six grandchildren: Spence Norwood, Bryce Norwood, Cassie Norwood, Camron Costa (fiancé Jennifer Waltz), Caden Costa and Carson Costa.

The family would like to thank Dr. Don Parker, Gentiva Hospice, Right at Home caregivers particularly Cora Brinzo and Katie Jones. And, a special thank you to Mary Williams for the outstanding care shown to our father and grandfather. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Parkinson’s Foundation, East Texas A&M University College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, or the Southwest Dairy Museum.

Services have been planned for Friday, September 12, 2025. A visitation will be held at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home at 9:00am, followed by a graveside service at Brigham Cemetery in Campbell, Texas at 10:00am.