James Leon Norman

October 4, 1958 - May 16, 2022
James Leon Norman

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Sadly, we share the passing of James Leon Norman, on May 16, 2022, at his home with his wife and daughter at his bedside. Leon was born on October 4th, 1958, to the late Jamie Leans Norman and the late Carrie Louise Tyson Norman. He was active in baseball while he attended Washington High School.

Leon and his wife owned and operated Norman’s Auto & Marine and 24-Hour Wrecker service. Working by his side at the shop was his son Robert Norman (Misty) of Bath. There, father taught son to be a skilled mechanic and earn his living. Leon ran the twenty-four-hour wrecker service in the Beaufort County community as well as for the NC State Highway Patrol rotation, through the heat and rain, day and night, making wonderful and lasting friendships with many people. He always went above and beyond to provide many extras for all of his family, his wife, and his children.

In 1985 he married Lori Brickhouse Norman of Bath and they spent 37 blessed years together. Together, they have a daughter who survives, Ashleigh Mari Norman Shadid (Mohammed) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

He is survived by his sisters, Linda Gail Massie and Judy Norman Toler (Dalton), both of Washington and a large, extended circle of family and friends. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Sherry McKenzie (Max) of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Leon was predeceased by his parents, his in laws, Samuel and Cynthia Brickhouse, his brother-in-law, Wallace Massie, his niece, Tammy Carrow, and his best friend and brother, Samuel (Buddy) Brickhouse III.

Leon spent many years in the Bath Volunteer Fire Department and was always available for helping friends and those in the community. He was a member of Bath Christian Church, where he was baptized in salvation by his wonderful, treasured friend, Pastor Curtis White.

Services will be as follows:

  • Visitation will be on Tuesday May 17th 2022, at Joseph B. Paul Funeral Home in Washington from 6:00pm-8:00pm
  • Funeral Service will be Wednesday May 18th 2022 at Joseph B. Paul Funeral Home Chapel in Washington at 11:00am
  • Graveside Services will follow at Pamlico Memorial Gardens

Pastor Jim Cullen will officiate services.

Pall Bearers will be Chris Toler, Sam Brickhouse, Shay Brickhouse, all nephews of Leon; Jay Morgan III, Michael Smiley, and Gary Buck. Honorary Pall Bearers are Tommy Respass, Robert Respass, Jay Morgan, Mark Woolard, Lee Manning, Kevin Hazelwood, Ricky Perry, Roger Winstead, Earl Shavender, and Jack Smiley. Also serving as honorary pall bearers will be members of the the Bath Volunteer Fire Department and the NC State Highway Patrol.

A special thank you to those who helped us keep Leon home for his care, our friends and family, Nancy Brickhouse, Melinda Hazelwood, Pam Cox, and Amedisus Hospice Nurse Philetta Holland.

As a family, we are deeply humbled and grateful to each for their help, love, and prayers.

Video Tribute


Funeral Service

Wednesday, May 18, 2022
11:00 AM

Joseph B Paul Jr. Washington Funeral and Cremation - Directions
4500 US Hwy 264 East
Washington, NC 27889
252-975-4500

Visiting Hours

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Home - Directions
4500 US Highway 264 East Washington, NC
  • Tuesday, May 17, 2022
  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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  • February 24, 2023
    Konstance lit a candle:
    Lit since February 24, 2023 at 2:58:58 PM

  • May 26, 2022
    George Armistead lit a candle:
    Lit since May 26, 2022 at 5:45:30 PM

  • May 26, 2022
    George Armistead says:
    I will miss my friend and mechanic.

  • May 19, 2022
    Rhonda Massie Markland lit a candle:
    Lit since May 19, 2022 at 5:47:23 PM

  • May 19, 2022
    Angie Garriss lit a candle:
    Lit since May 19, 2022 at 5:39:00 PM

  • May 19, 2022
    Sheila Hudson lit a candle:
    Lit since May 19, 2022 at 5:29:56 AM

  • May 18, 2022
    Gayle Snyder says:
    Oh Lori, my heart breaks for you. I cannot imagine your sorrow but I know you rejoice knowing he is no longer suffering and walking the streets of gold with loved ones that went before him. Lean on your family and friends during this difficult time and remember how much you are loved. ❤️

  • May 18, 2022
    Priscilla Butler lit a candle:
    Lit since May 18, 2022 at 5:43:11 AM

  • May 18, 2022
    Virginia S Spain says:
    God Bless Leon. He had a funny and loving soul.

  • May 18, 2022
    Virginia S Spain lit a candle:
    Lit since May 18, 2022 at 5:24:29 AM

  • May 17, 2022
    Carolyn Garris lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:35:10 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    Danny and Dale Everett says:
    Lori I've had you and Leon in my prayers. So sorry for your loss. May God give you all comfort and peace in the days ahead.

  • May 17, 2022
    Danny and Dale Everett says:
    Lori, I've kept you and Leon in my prayers. So sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and peace in these days ahead.

  • May 17, 2022
    Danny and Dale Everett says:
    Lori, I've kept you and Leon in my prayers. I know he will be missed. May God give you comfort and peace in these days ahead.

  • May 17, 2022
    Leslie Litz Ryan lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:05:59 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    Curtis & Wanda White says:
    Lori, our prayers and love are with you. We love you.

  • May 17, 2022
    Lorie Ramsey lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:24:03 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    David and Karen Sayer lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:41:12 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    Roger&Connie Winstead lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:08:28 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    Carol Bounds lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:07:03 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    Bernice Baxter lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:35:21 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    Lesley Woolard lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:47:04 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    John Taylor says:
    Leon was a great man. He was Assistant Chief of the Bath Volunteer Fire Department for many years where he was like a 2nd father to many of the younger members. He was a great asset to the community of Bath and would always helping many people who were in need.

  • May 17, 2022
    Linda Beck says:
    Leon I never got to meet you, but I know how much you were loved by Lori. She is going to need help and I will do whatever I can. I thank God that you are not suffering 🙏

  • May 17, 2022
    James and Pamela Lamb lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:46:07 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    Gwen Myers lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:29:18 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    Dolores Nickerson says:
    Lori, my heart is heavy for you during this time. Bob & I were just talking about your visit back to Virginia Beach years ago when we first met Leon & how much our men had in common. Our prayers & love are with you. Dole & Bob

  • May 17, 2022
    Brandi Hadaway lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:38:30 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    Maureen McCafferty says:
    May he rest in peace.

  • May 17, 2022
    Pam Tyson Wobbleton lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:20:21 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    Angela Tyson Schmidt lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:10:14 PM

  • May 17, 2022
    Dalton Toler lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:55:58 AM

  • May 17, 2022
    Robert Murdock2 lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:30:41 AM

  • May 17, 2022
    Scott Brown & Trisha Moore lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:03:02 AM

  • May 17, 2022
    Pearson and Joan Chrismon lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:57:15 AM

  • May 17, 2022
    Daniel Adams Jr says:
    Leon, can't help but smile and be sad at the same time, I think back to the Red Baron jeep and the ole Dodge Colt, mud riding, climbing hills, and just riding around drinking a cold one, Rest easy my friend! You will be missed! Lori and family, my thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength in the days ahead are we you guys! He's was a good friend to all! "Bat"

  • May 17, 2022
    Juanita Godley lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:07:17 AM

  • May 17, 2022
    Joel Mizelle lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:01:21 AM

  • May 17, 2022
    Roy Bunch lit a candle:
    Lit since May 17, 2022 at 5:30:09 AM

  • May 17, 2022
    Bambi says:
    Leon will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will remember him with a smile. Cuz and I were mischievous and would skip school together in junior high. We never did anything but walk around downtown together, but it seemed like freedom 50 years ago. Sending prayers of comfort for Lori, his children, Linda Gail, Judy, and all the others who will miss his room brightening smile. He is out of pain and seeing some glorious sights.

  • May 16, 2022
    Bambi lit a candle:
    Lit since May 16, 2022 at 5:38:35 PM

  • May 16, 2022
    Mandy Jones says:
    Lori, our hearts are broken for you, the children, and all the family. We pray for your comfort and peace as that is all we can do in such times of immeasurable grief. We are so very sorry for your loss. Leon was one of a kind, for sure. With all our love, Mandy and Phil Jones

  • May 16, 2022
    Mandy lit a candle:
    Lit since May 16, 2022 at 5:17:11 PM

  • May 16, 2022
    Jennifer Cox lit a candle:
    Lit since May 16, 2022 at 5:41:13 PM

  • May 16, 2022
    Deborah Tyson lit a candle:
    Lit since May 16, 2022 at 5:23:43 PM