James M. Norwood passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 2, 2018, at the age of 96. He was born in Simmesport, Louisiana, and attended Rosenthal Grammar School and Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana. He graduated in 1942 with a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. He received his Commission as Ensign USNR at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis MD. He served as Engineer Officer on a destroyer in the Pacific during World War II.
After WWII he worked as Chemical Engineer, Plant Manager and Vice President for several chemical companies. He retired from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. in 1986. Jim was married to Betty Hughston Norwood for 55 years. She died in 1999.
He is survived by daughters, Beth Hughston Babin (Malcolm), Elna Vaughan Holley (John); his brother, Cecil P. Norwood; nieces, Cathy Cox Stokes (William), Caroline Hughston Mann (Frank), Lucy Ann Hughston Nichols (Steve); nephews, James Dowlen Hughston (Gail) and Harold Vaughan Hughston (Cynthia). He is preceeded in death by his parents, James M. Norwood, Sr. and Allie Texada Norwood of Alexandria, Louisiana, as well as dear family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2018 from 2 to 4 p.m. for friends and family at the home of his daughter. Please email bbabin5@cox.net for details on the memorial.
The family thanks all who cared for him including Amedysis (Stacie), Harmony Hospice, We Care Too (Lydia, Michelle and Tocarra) and Rade Pejic, M.D.
He will be missed by all who loved him. Services will be private. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 1020 Virgil St. Gretna, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to share online condolences.
