Jack was born January 17th, 1930 in Chicago to the late Ralph and Agnes (Collins) Norris. He lived in Chicago for 1 year then moved to South Bend where he lived until he retired 3 years ago. He was one of 11 children only 2 of whom survive today, Mary Zakrowski and Shirley (Wally) Zultanski. Jack is survived by his wife, Rosemarie (Lacay) Norris whom he married in 1960 and seven wonderful children: Connie Norris, Dean (Bridget) Norris of Murrieta, Ca., Nikie (Bart) Hamilton of Torrance, Ca., Jackie Applegate of Yorktown, IN., Nancy (James) Hill of Granger, IN, Ron (Beth) Smith of Greenville, S.C., and Beth Beidler of St. Joe, MI. His is also survived by 20 grandchildren (including one named Jack after him) and one to be born in January 2009, as well as 5 great grand children. Jack was a kind and gentle man. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved his family deeply and unconditionally. He was affectionately known as "papa" to the grand kids and that word was music to his ears as each grandchild grew to love him. Without the benefit of knowing his own father, he became the best father a child could have. He was a man who brought happiness to all he met. He was a man of faith and deep conviction. He worked hard and never complained. He loved dearly. He believed in and lived good times. He will be missed. Jack attended Central High School and began his career in the automotive department of J.E. Waltz. As a self-motivator and hard worker, he soon moved in to sales and became one of the top salesmen of the company. He then moved to Radio Furniture Mart and again through hard work and dedication to his customers earned top salesman honors. In 1979 Jack went into business with his good friend and opened Jack and Ed's Furniture Mart on Mckinley Highway. Eventually they opened a second store in Niles, MI. In 1981 he opened his own store, Jack's Furniture Mart (in the old Radio Furniture Mart building on South Michigan Street). In 1991 he opened a western apparel store, Dudes 'N Darlins Western Wearhouse, with his son Dean and operated it successfully with his wife until he retired in 2003. Jack was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church. He was a proud and great member of the Elks. He loved spending time at his cottage in Sisters Lakes Michigan where he loved to boat. His first boat was a pontoon he built himself with the help of his family, neighbors and friends. But Jack's greatest passion was his music. He is best known as the singer and leader of his band, The Jack Norris Combo. The Jack Norris Combo was a fixture in South Bend and lower Michigan for more than 40 years. The band played at hundreds of weddings, local nightclubs, bars and private parties over the years.