James Bryant Norman

Jim, or “Bryant”, as he was known by his NC family, 81, of Bedford County, VA passed away on April 19. He was born in Pamlico, NC. He was predeceased by three loving women who raised him, Joella Norman, Joyce Barnes, and Ione Best, as well as his brother, Gene Best, with acknowledgment of his mother in law, Madge Welch, with whom he had a special relationship. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Bonnie Mary Norman, two children, Jimm (Jewell), and Sara Dawn:  two grandchildren, Reese and Amanda Norman, and grandpups Candy and Fennie. Two half-brothers, Jay Clark and Howard Best, two brothers, Roger Best and Buddy Best (Linda), the best sister-in-law, and cohort in fun.

Jim honorably served his country in the United States Air Force for 21 years and retired as a Master Sargent and Vietnam Veteran. Once home, he continued his service in his community as a rural letter carrier for Bedford routes 1,3, and 5 for 15 years. He served as the co-manager for the food pantry at Bedford Christian Ministries with his wife in his retirement.

He was an avid Duke basketball fan and loved softball- from playing, coaching, and officiating the game to being his daughter’s biggest fan for 16 years. He then became a fan of Liberty University softball, having known two extraordinary ladies who played there from 2017-2021. Another passion he was known for in the military and the Bedford County recreation was officiating both basketball and softball.

The family would like to thank the medical professionals that worked with him these last years, Dr Thompson, Dr Jara, and Dr Betz, with a special thank-you to his nurse Amanda. The family is grateful to his caregiver, Aliana, for her gentle, kind spirit, who made a connection during the last few months of his journey through dementia. Jon Tobin was also a blessing that came at a time when Jim and Bonnie needed him the most.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Jim may be made to the following, Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516; All-American Mutt Rescue, 5491 Johnson Mountain Rd, Huddleston, VA 24104.

A memorial service and celebration of Jim’s life will be conducted at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Tharp Funeral Chapel, with military honors. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford, from 5:00pm util 7:00pm.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family. To send online condolences please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.

Wounded Warriors-https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=16828&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS22022AAABRXAA&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpImTBhCmARIsAKr58czVrYd2j26Ojow-rFDmIIm1DEtRPVsBRFEjvWpULi99IMyQ8_JBVwsaAq97EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

AAMR- https://www.allamericanmuttrescue.org/