Norwick, James Raymond age 85, of Maple Grove, passed away on January 21 from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his wife and children after a life well lived as a dedicated public servant and leader. He leaves behind his wife and sweetheart of 64 years Barbara; a son Yale (Susan) and four angelic daughters, Lisa Bourassa (Bryan), Laura Brenner (Joe), Monica LaRose (Mark) and Sarah Abdelwahed (Amir); 11 grandchildren - Mellisa, Brittany (Martin), Kennedy (Ryan), Jacob (Emily), Micaela, Rob, Jack, Claudia, Abby, Sophia and Lucia; and 7 great-grandchildren - Doran, Cecilia, Adelyn, Max, Easton, Blake and Caleb. James was born in Minneapolis and spent his childhood summers on a farm in Waverly, MN. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Jim went on to play baseball at the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a BS degree in Art Education and eventually a Masters degree in Athletic Administration. In 1957 Jim met the love of his life, Barbara Kinley. After two years in Duluth where Jim taught art and coached baseball, Jim and Barbara returned to the Twin Cities in 1961 where Jim joined the inaugural staff that opened Brooklyn Center High School. There he established the art department and the baseball program - the first step requiring him to build the baseball field himself, modeled after Wrigley Field. In 1967 Jim was named athletic director, a role through which he championed the implementation of Title IX and the expansion of women's athletic opportunities in the district. In 1972 Jim also became the district's first community education director. Resolute in his belief and vision that public education should be available and accessible to all ages, Jim spearheaded a number of community education programs for the Brooklyn Center community. Other contributions included founding the Brooklyn Center American Legion Baseball program, establishing the Brooklyn Center Athletic Boosters club, and providing year-round indoor access to exercise opportunities through the daily, early opening of the Brookdale mall for walkers and joggers. Upon his retirement, Jim remained involved in public education, serving as the Executive Secretary for the Northwest Suburban Conference. In that role, he founded an award for the school whose fans and players best demonstrated sportsmanship and integrity across all sports. More than any accomplishment or career legacy, Jim is remembered for his strength of character, his tireless spirit, and his connectivity. His joyful zest for life was both contagious and unmatched, and his moral compass and humble dedication to serving others fueled every breath and smile. But most of all, Jim was a role model - for love, respect, and kindness to all. He will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be held on February 18, 11:00 AM at Lord of Life Church, Maple Grove. Visitation one hour before the service and luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Centaur Foundation.