(June 30, 1934 — Sept. 1, 2026)
James Rufus Norwood, 92, passed away on September 1, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by those he loved fiercely. He was born on June 30, 1934, in Fife, Texas, to William Henry and Della (King) Norwood. He started working at a young age. His parents owned a dairy. After graduating from Big Spring High School in 1952 and after several years, he married the love of his life, partner, and best friend, Margaret (Margi) Ann Walraven. The two of them had the best 63 years of marriage. They had the marriage you see in the movies or read in a book. It was real and it was true. They loved each other so much that their bond was something that everyone wished they had in their own marriage. They made people have hope that they could only experience the love that they had. It was a forever bond.
Together they owned Wilson Auto Electric and Norwood TV and Audio in Big Spring. After leaving Big Spring, he got his real estate license and was never idle. Several years later, they moved to Stephenville, where they owned and operated Quality Printing. He sold the shop about 10 years ago and then went back to work for the young lady that he sold the shop to. He enjoyed getting a paycheck. Something he hadn’t experienced in a while because he had owned so many businesses. He was not a quitter. He was a provider and he was a caregiver until the day he passed. He took this job proudly. No one could accuse James of not living life to the fullest. He did everything with a purpose.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, he had a bit of a gypsy spirit, moving from place to place, but he was deeply rooted in his family. He was truly the glue that held his family together. He was a man of many talents. He was a gospel singer at Erath County Cowboy Church and played the harmonica from time to time as well. He also loved visiting Las Vegas with his family and playing blackjack. He loved being with his family and that was his main hobby in his life. Loving, giving and caring for all of his family was the biggest job he succeeded in. His family felt his love because it was given so freely and his wisdom and knowledge that he passed to his family will never be forgotten.
James was the kindest and most considerate person. He dedicated his life to live by the Golden Rule. He took such good care of his family. At the end of every day, he fell asleep holding his loving wife’s hand and always expressing to her “Keep the Faith Babe”.
James will be deeply missed by his wife, Margi, his daughters; Natalie Norwood and Jami Dominguez and her husband, Paul, his son/grandson; Jeremy Norwood and his wife, Megan, his grandchildren; Brook Rumbolz and her husband, Jason, Austin McFadden and his wife, Roxy, R.J. Blackerby, and Melissa Barnett, his great-grandchildren; Jacob, Shawnaassey, Dannaika, Bailey, Riley, Braylee, Reyna, Renlee, Rex, and Valeria, Landon, Lyrick and Kayleigh, his great-great-grandchildren, Walker, as well as his sisters; Sis Norwood, and Nell Thames.
James is preceded in death by both of his parents, a daughter; Firm Blackerby, a great-granddaughter; Allie Norwood, one brother, and three sisters.
A funeral service will be held in James’s honor on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 9 AM, at Stephenville Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at Johnson Cemetery. A visitation will be on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 6-8 PM at Stephenville Funeral Home.
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