James Jimmy Norby, 32, died Monday, July 27, 2009 at MeritCare Palliative Care Unit, Fargo, ND.

Funeral services will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, July 31, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Robert Dahlen officiating.

Visitation will be from 5-8 P.M. on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. with a prayer service at 7 P.M. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN

James Harvey Norby was born August 9, 1976 to Jerald and Debra (Underdahl) Norby in Beloit, WI. The family later moved to the Goodridge area where James was baptized at Faith Lutheran Church on May 24, 1987. He attended school in Goodridge and in Warren, MN. where he graduated high school. James lived at several group homes in the area and worked at the DAC in Thief River Falls for several years. James enjoyed pop-up books and constructing impossibly high towers with blocks and Legos. He very much enjoyed his friends and the staff at the group homes and had a reputation for being an obvious flirt. James had a kind heart and loving nature. His optimism and joy will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

James is survived by his parents, Jerald Jerry (Deb) Norby Sr. of Thief River Falls, MN; siblings, Angela (fiance Travis Forsberg) Norby of Plummer, MN, Jerald JJ Norby Jr. of Thief River Falls, MN, Jennifer Norby of Roseau, MN; maternal grandmother, Murial Underdahl; niece Alexandra Norby, Roseau, MN; nephew Andersen James AJ Forsberg of Plummer, MN, as well as many uncles, aunts, other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Sophie and Herman Norby; maternal grandfather Harvey Underdahl and numerous aunts and uncles.