James F. Norris

James F. Norris, 37, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, formerly of Austintown, passed away Sunday evening October 16, 2011 at Akron City Hospital.  James was born November 30, 1973 in Youngstown, the son of Kenneth Norris and Marsha "Penny" Voina Ruse. Graduating from Austintown Fitch High School, class of 1992, he excelled in Soccer and Basketball and met the love of his life, his best friend Aprilynn Bernat whom he married May 3, 1997.  His pride and joy were his two girls Brooke (7) and Bailee (4).  Upon graduation James entered the U.S. Army serving with the 82nd Airborne/Air Assault Division at Ft. Bragg, N.C. achieving the rank of Sergeant.  After serving his country, he worked as an electrician out of the Electricians Local 306, Akron, OH.  He currently was employed by S & E Electric. He was very passionate in his work and dedicated many hours at the Ohio Veteran Memorial Park in Clinton, Ohio.  James had a infectious smile and was a true friend to all; there was never a person he didn't meet that walked away as a stranger.  James was there for all that needed him no matter when or where.  He treasured his time with his family and friends especially his close group of friends in the Dales of North Hampton, Cuyahoga Falls.  In addition to his wife April, and children, James is survived by his father, Kenneth, of Youngstown, his mother and step-father Jeff of Canfield, brothers, Jason (Charlene) of Austintown, and Justin Norris of Pittsburgh, his father and mother-in-law, Daniel and Patricia Bernat of Austintown, sister-in-law Lori (Bernie) Garrah of Westlake, OH.  James also leaves several nieces and nephews along with a host of friends and co-workers who cared for James deeply.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Ruth Norris and Elizabeth and James Voina, great-grandmother, Josephine Sturgeon, and aunt, Patty Norris.  A Mass of a Christian Burial will be held on Friday October 21st, 11:00 AM, at St. Joseph Church in Austintown, preceded by a prayer service at 10:00 AM at Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard. The  family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 1-8 PM at the funeral home. Interment will take place at North Lawn Memorial Garden in Cuyahoga Falls with military honors.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of James to either www. Melanoma.org. ,or The Ohio Veterans memorial Park 8005 Cleveland-Massilion Rd. P. O. Box 3 Clinton, OH 44216 or www.thenorrisfamily.webs.com.  April and her family would like to thank everyone for their love and support, especially the Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh and the staff at Summa Health System, Akron City Hospital for their excellent care. To view this obituary and to send condolences to the Norris family, visit www.blackstonesfh.com