James Norris Jr., 53, of Eagle Butte, made his journey on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Monument Health, Rapid City.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. MDT, Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eagle Butte. Burial will follow in the Dupree Cemetery, Dupree. Rosary and all night wake services will begin at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the church.

On the night of July 27, 1971, Jim was born in Gettysburg, SD, to the late James Norris Sr. and Yvonne Kay Clown. His paternal grandparents were Velma and Thomas Norris followed by his maternal grandparents Anna (RedBird) Clown and James “Tasunka Wikto” Clown.

He was an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (Mnicoujou Band) and attended school in Eagle Butte, SD from grades K through 12, graduating in 1989. During high school James was known for playing football and basketball. He was a member of the first team to win a championship at the Lakota Nation Invitational in 1987-1988, at the newly built Civic Center (now called The Monument) in Rapid City, SD. After graduating high school, Jim received a football scholarship to the University of Huron in Huron, SD. His college career quickly came to an end after a knee injury. He then returned to Eagle Butte and worked construction

In 1994, Jim attended and successfully completed “IPA” Indian Police Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. In 1997 Jim was selected and successfully completed the “FLETC” Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for criminal investigation in Glynco, Georgia. From 1994 to December of 2006 James worked as a Police Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Supervisory Special Agent, and Chief of Police for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He then accepted a position for criminal investigation on the Hualapai Reservation in Peach Springs, Arizona. In 2008, he accepted a position to be Director of Safety and Security for the Southeast Alaskan Regional Health Consortium on the Tlingit Reservation in Sitka, Alaska. He then moved on as a consultant providing professional training and technical assistance to Native American Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, First Nations and nonprofit organizations. Jim worked in law enforcement, safety, security and investigations for over 27 years.

Jim was the recipient of numerous awards such as: 2001 – U.S. Attorney’s Award for outstanding contributions for victims of crime in Indian Country, 1997 – Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Police Officer of the Year, 1995 and 1996 – certificates for outstanding contributions, and CRST LED, 1994 to 2006 – Distinguished Expert in handguns, shotguns, and auxiliary weapons: AR-15/long rifles, 1994 and 1996 – awards for course records at the Indian Police Academy, Artesia, New Mexico.

Jim was best known for being a father to his children, papa to his grandchildren, and Uncle Jimmy to his nieces and nephews. Jim loved being in the “Paha Sapa” and enjoyed traveling with his children, showing them the world, making memories that will be cherished. One of his specialties was making late-night snacks such as peanut butter and jelly, cereal, or peanut butter honey toast. He supported his children in every endeavor, whether it was their artwork, or attending their basketball, football, softball, and volleyball games. He was always proud to talk about his kids, grandkids, brother, nieces and nephews on all of their accomplishments. He considered being a descendant of Crazy Horse “Tasunka Witko” a great honor, he loved to educate his children and grandchildren on their history and lineage. Almost daily he would send a motivating message or video with his family and others, sharing his knowledge and intelligence about the world. However, in the last two years Jim faced unfortunate obstacles which he was then exonerated from on July 2, 2024. He was the light of his children and grandchildren’s lives, truly one of a kind and made an impact on everyone he met.

Jim is survived by his four daughters: Jordan, Alexa, Gabrielle (Cheristine Moussea) and Quinn; three sons: Tyus, Isaiah, and Itanchan; grandson, Apollo Prince; granddaughter, Alahei Clay; mother, Yvonne; brother, Edward Sr. (Berdina, Xavier, Ivy, Xandria, Edward Jr., Xzander, Isis, Zoe, and Liam); Norris family from Ohio: Sue and Tom Norris, Debbie and Ray Norris, Bill and Shirley Norris, Sharon Norris, Brenda Norris, Jeff Norris, and Michelle Noris.

He is preceded in death by his father, James Lewis Norris Sr.; brothers, Floyd LeCompte, Willie Tiller, and Doce Merculief; grandpas, Thomas Norris and James “Tsunka Winkto” Clown; grandmas, Velma Norris and Anna Red Bird Clown; uncles: True Clown, Carlin Clown Sr., Stewart Clown, Richard Clown, and Roland Larry Clown; aunts: Alma Bowker, Betty Crow, Mary Clown, Phoebe Brings Plenty, Carol Clown, Patricia Adams; and Brenda and Frank Veit.

Jim’s family would like to give a special thanks to: Dr. Robert Houser and nursing staff of Monument Health (Rapid City); Bonnie LeBeau (Eagle Butte/Rapid City); Lance Frazier (Eagle Butte); Bob Walters (Eagle Butte); Ryman LeBeau (Eagle Butte); and anyone else we may have forgotten to mention.

Jim will be greatly missed and as he would say “my work here is finished, I’ve gone home.”

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with James’ arrangements.

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