James T. (J.T.) Norman, 67, of Oakhurst died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 1 after a long battle with heart disease. He was surrounded by family and unconditional love.
J.T. was raised by his loving mother in West Long Branch alongside his “Irish twin” older brother, Robert. He graduated from Shore Regional High School in ’75 and later attended Brookdale Community College to explore computer science but it didn’t take long for him to discover his true passion and natural talent for woodworking. He started his own business, J.T. Norman Woodworking, and made his mark beautifying homes across the Jersey Shore and even in Israel. It’s nearly impossible to drive through “the Peninsula” without coming across a house with J.T.’s trademark custom built-ins inside. He could fix absolutely anything and could usually be found at Home Depot multiple times a day.
At the tender age of 16, J.T. met his future wife, Sheri. They fell in love hard and fast and tied the knot when they were just 19 years old. They started their family a few years later by welcoming two daughters and a son, all 4 years apart. J.T.’s family was his pride and joy and he truly found his calling when the 5 grandbabies came along. He devoted every non-working minute to spending quality time with his beloved wife, kids, and grandkids whether it was coaching little league, cheering at dance recitals and school plays, manning the grill at countless summer BBQs or finding the perfect fresh-cut Christmas tree. He loved the traditions of the holidays and was at his absolute happiest just being surrounded by his favorite people. During his later years, when his illness caught up to him, he enjoyed any low-key competition like nightly Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy battles with Sheri, marathon games of gin rummy and chess and any board game with the grandkids.
J.T. was known as a die-hard Yankees fan; he and Sheri visited ballparks on the East Coast for mini vacations. The Normans took a family vacation every year – whether it was Florida, Lake George, Culver Lake, or Hilton Head – and they always came home with hilarious stories of the many disasters and hijinks. His perfect afternoon was sitting next Sheri, watching sports or HGTV, enjoying home-cooked meals and fresh-baked desserts as the rest of the family popped in and out for visits.
Surviving is his wife of 48 years, Sheri Measure Norman; Kellie Moore of Ocean Township (pre-deceased by Kellie’s husband, James Moore); Kaysie and her husband Brian McKay of Shark River Hills; Kyle and his wife Amanda Norman of Ocean Township; his brother, Robert Norman of Belmar; his aunt, Mary Fenton of Wall Township; and his five grandchildren – Braden, Kylie, Clark, June, and Callan.
Visitation will be Saturday, October 5 from 1 pm until 5 pm. A remembrance service will begin at 4:30 pm at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. In lieu of flowers, the family asks with gratitude for donations to Compassionate Care Hospice, 1130 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753. They were pivotal in ensuring J.T. had a peaceful transition. If love could have kept him alive, he would have lived forever. He will be deeply missed; please share your stories and fondest memories of him with his family to bring them comfort.