James Joseph Norton II (1929-2011) was a physics teacher. He was the first person in his family to graduate from college. (b. January 15, 1929; Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey, USA - d. October 13, 2011; South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, USA)
Parents:
He was the son of Thomas Patrick Norton I (1891-1968) and Mary Margaret Burke (1890-1949). Mary was a school teacher in Jersey City, New Jersey until she married Thomas.
Birth:
He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on January 15, 1929.
Education:
He attended Saint Peters College for his undergraduate degree then Seton Hall for his masters degree, most likely in physics. He then took an additional 60 credits of classes at Rutgers University and Columbia University.
Korean War:
He served in the United States Army for four years during the Korean Conflict as a member of the military police.
Teacher:
He taught physics at Ridgefield Memorial High School in Ridgefield, New Jersey. He was charged with assaulting a student in 1967, but the charge was dropped when he admitted the infraction and apologized to the student. He was dismissed when he assaulted a second student in 1969.
1967 assault:
Teacher Won't Be At Hearing On Complaint. Father Says He'll Drop Charge Filed After Son Was Struck Ridgefield James Norton, the suspended High School science and physics teacher, will not attend tonight's special Board of Education hearing on the charge that Norton had struck a pupil. Mrs. Norton said last night that attorney Saul Alexander of Paterson had ordered her husband not to attend the hearings or make any statements until the State Commissioner of Education has made a ruling in the case. Norton was suspended by the Board June 1 after Charles Boxer charged the teacher with striking his son, Scott, May 1. Mrs. Norton said her husband had sent a letter to the father. She did not say what was in the letter. As a result of the letter, Boxer said he was withdrawing the assault charge. He added that he was not out to crucify the teacher and the meat of the matter was that his son said he had been struck and that it had been admitted. Apology Offered. Norton reportedly said in the letter that he would publicly apologize to Scott and his parents. He said also that he hoped the incident would not disrupt the pleasant relationship he had had with the student. School trustees are expected to reinstate Norton with the opening of the fall term. The Board could ask the State Commissioner of Education to dismiss the charge against Norton. A hearing on the charge is scheduled in Hackensack September 11 and 12. Norton has been a member of the faculty since the High School opened in 1958. The Board of Education suspended Norton under a State law which requires such action when a serious complaint is made. Trustees have made decision in the case. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 31 August 1967)
1967 assault:
Teacher Awaits Hearing On Assault. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Lawyers representing the Board of Education and suspended teacher James Norton will meet tomorrow with Assistant Education Commissioner Eric Groezinger to lay the groundwork and set a date for Norton's hearing on charges of assaulting a student. Norton was suspended by the Board June 1 after Charles Boxer complained that his son Scott had been hit on the ear during a classroom argument. Tomorrow's meeting will be held at the Commissioner's office in Trenton. Representing Norton will be his attorney, Saul Alexander of Paterson. Norton, a physics teacher, has been with the school system for 9 years and has received several assurances of support from both teachers and parents. The New Jersey Education Association is paying all his legal fees and the Ridgefield Education Association offered to assist him financially while he is suspended. He is not receiving his salary during his suspension. The usual procedure in cases of this type is for the commissioner to name a hearing officer who in turn listens to both sides and recommends action. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 21 June 1967)
1969 assault:
Student Assault Charged Norton Case Referred To State. By J. Kevin Hall. Staff Writer. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Charges made against James Norton, high school physics teacher accused of striking a student, have been referred by school trustees to the state commissioner of education. The action came last night after Norton failed to appear at a Board of Education bearing scheduled to hear the teacher's response to charges made against him by George Najemian, former school board candidate. Najemian claims, the 39-year-old Norton struck his son, a student at the school. He has filed civil charges against Norton as well. "The Ridgefield Board of Education feels it has no alternative other than to refer these charges to the state Commissioner of Education for his action," said a board statement read last night by School Supt. W. Arthur Skewes when Norton did not show up. Norton, suspended by the board last year on similar charges involving another student, and later reinstated as charges were dropped, was not suspended this time. School is no longer in session and teachers and students are away, said Skewes when asked why the board had not suspended Norton. The board would not comment on what status Norton would have in September should the commissioner not reach a decision by that time. Reached later at his home, Norton said his attorney, Saul Alexander of Paterson, had advised him not to attend the hearing last night. "The letter from the board inviting me to attend," Norton explained," told me I could not bring legal counsel with me." Pre Trial Hearing Due. On that basis, and since a board attorney was expected to be present. Alexander cautioned him not to attend, said Norton. "I wanted to go in any case," said the teacher, "but my attorney thought it unusual that I could not bring counsel." With the matter referred to the state, the next order of business is a pretrial conference, Norton said, when his attorney and the boards will confer on who is to testify and for whom. When that pretrial conference will be is up to the commissioner, as is the date for hearing the case formally. Norton said he hoped a decision would be reached before school opens for the fall term. Meanwhile, Norton's attorney has obtained an indefinite postponement of a Municipal Curt hearing on Najemian's civil charges that resulted in Norton's arrest last month. The postponement was requested, Norton said, until after the state commissioner renders a decision. A favorable decision by the commissioner may make a Court hearing on Najemian's suggested. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 28 June 1969)
1969 assault:
Teacher Plans Appeal On State-Backed Ouster. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Former high school teacher James Norton has taken the first step toward appealing a ruling of state Commissioner of Education Carl E. Marburger authorizing his dismissal. Marburger ordered Norton's dismissal on grounds he was guilty of striking a student and physically abusing high school Principal Fred Procopio last year. Norton has filed a notice of appeal with the state Board of Education, which he is required to do within 30 days after the commissioner's ruling in order to be eligible for appeal. He has requested a copy of the voluminous transcript of his hearing, and says he has retained an attorney who will review it carefully with him to discover what ground he can base an appeal on. "We have to go over the whole thing before we make our decision whether to go ahead with the appeal or not," he said. Charges pressed in Municipal Court by George Najemian Sr., the parent, regarding the incident had been dismissed, but the borough Board of Education suspended Norton last year, then dismissed him after Commissioner Marburger ruled to authorize that act. Norton was suspended for three months in 1967 for striking a student, but the student's parents dropped charges when Norton admitted the assault. He was reinstated. The 40-year-old physics teacher is now employed in the Westchester County school system. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 10 October 1969)
South Amboy, New Jersey:
Janet and James moved to South Amboy, New Jersey in 2003.
Death:
He died on October 13, 2011 at his home in South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey of a Clostridium difficile infection that he acquired in the hospital, following his hernia operation.
Obituary:
James J. Norton, 82 of South Amboy passed away on Thursday October 13, 2011 at home. Jim and his wife, Janet, moved to South Amboy in 2003. He lived most of his married life in Ridgefield, NJ where he taught physics at Ridgefield Memorial High School for many years. Jim started his teaching career in St. Joseph's in West New York and Snyder High School in Jersey City. He also taught in Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood. While living in Ridgefield, Jim was very active in the Heritage Players and the Leonia Theater Guild. His interest in science and ecology led to his being the first Recycling Coordinator in Ridgefield. He was also a Civil Defense Coordinator in Ridgefield. Prior to starting his teaching career Jim served in the United States Army for four years during the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his wife Janet; his loving children, Barry Norton and his wife, April, of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Brian Norton of Stuart, Florida; Jamie Kay DePasquale and her husband, Paul, of Matawan New Jersey; his brother Thomas Norton; nephews Richard and Kenneth and niece Kathy Esposito. Friends and former students are invited to join the family in a "Celebration of Jim's Life" being held on October 29, 2011 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Morganville Volunteer Fire Department located at 78 Tennent Road, Morganville, NJ (just off Route 79). Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics New York.
Relationship:
James Joseph Norton II (1929-2011) was the uncle of Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ).
Research:
Researched and written by Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) for Findagrave starting on January 15, 2004. Updated on March 28, 2021 with the text from articles on his assault charges.
.
Parents:
He was the son of Thomas Patrick Norton I (1891-1968) and Mary Margaret Burke (1890-1949). Mary was a school teacher in Jersey City, New Jersey until she married Thomas.
Birth:
He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on January 15, 1929.
Education:
He attended Saint Peters College for his undergraduate degree then Seton Hall for his masters degree, most likely in physics. He then took an additional 60 credits of classes at Rutgers University and Columbia University.
Korean War:
He served in the United States Army for four years during the Korean Conflict as a member of the military police.
Teacher:
He taught physics at Ridgefield Memorial High School in Ridgefield, New Jersey. He was charged with assaulting a student in 1967, but the charge was dropped when he admitted the infraction and apologized to the student. He was dismissed when he assaulted a second student in 1969.
1967 assault:
Teacher Won't Be At Hearing On Complaint. Father Says He'll Drop Charge Filed After Son Was Struck Ridgefield James Norton, the suspended High School science and physics teacher, will not attend tonight's special Board of Education hearing on the charge that Norton had struck a pupil. Mrs. Norton said last night that attorney Saul Alexander of Paterson had ordered her husband not to attend the hearings or make any statements until the State Commissioner of Education has made a ruling in the case. Norton was suspended by the Board June 1 after Charles Boxer charged the teacher with striking his son, Scott, May 1. Mrs. Norton said her husband had sent a letter to the father. She did not say what was in the letter. As a result of the letter, Boxer said he was withdrawing the assault charge. He added that he was not out to crucify the teacher and the meat of the matter was that his son said he had been struck and that it had been admitted. Apology Offered. Norton reportedly said in the letter that he would publicly apologize to Scott and his parents. He said also that he hoped the incident would not disrupt the pleasant relationship he had had with the student. School trustees are expected to reinstate Norton with the opening of the fall term. The Board could ask the State Commissioner of Education to dismiss the charge against Norton. A hearing on the charge is scheduled in Hackensack September 11 and 12. Norton has been a member of the faculty since the High School opened in 1958. The Board of Education suspended Norton under a State law which requires such action when a serious complaint is made. Trustees have made decision in the case. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 31 August 1967)
1967 assault:
Teacher Awaits Hearing On Assault. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Lawyers representing the Board of Education and suspended teacher James Norton will meet tomorrow with Assistant Education Commissioner Eric Groezinger to lay the groundwork and set a date for Norton's hearing on charges of assaulting a student. Norton was suspended by the Board June 1 after Charles Boxer complained that his son Scott had been hit on the ear during a classroom argument. Tomorrow's meeting will be held at the Commissioner's office in Trenton. Representing Norton will be his attorney, Saul Alexander of Paterson. Norton, a physics teacher, has been with the school system for 9 years and has received several assurances of support from both teachers and parents. The New Jersey Education Association is paying all his legal fees and the Ridgefield Education Association offered to assist him financially while he is suspended. He is not receiving his salary during his suspension. The usual procedure in cases of this type is for the commissioner to name a hearing officer who in turn listens to both sides and recommends action. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 21 June 1967)
1969 assault:
Student Assault Charged Norton Case Referred To State. By J. Kevin Hall. Staff Writer. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Charges made against James Norton, high school physics teacher accused of striking a student, have been referred by school trustees to the state commissioner of education. The action came last night after Norton failed to appear at a Board of Education bearing scheduled to hear the teacher's response to charges made against him by George Najemian, former school board candidate. Najemian claims, the 39-year-old Norton struck his son, a student at the school. He has filed civil charges against Norton as well. "The Ridgefield Board of Education feels it has no alternative other than to refer these charges to the state Commissioner of Education for his action," said a board statement read last night by School Supt. W. Arthur Skewes when Norton did not show up. Norton, suspended by the board last year on similar charges involving another student, and later reinstated as charges were dropped, was not suspended this time. School is no longer in session and teachers and students are away, said Skewes when asked why the board had not suspended Norton. The board would not comment on what status Norton would have in September should the commissioner not reach a decision by that time. Reached later at his home, Norton said his attorney, Saul Alexander of Paterson, had advised him not to attend the hearing last night. "The letter from the board inviting me to attend," Norton explained," told me I could not bring legal counsel with me." Pre Trial Hearing Due. On that basis, and since a board attorney was expected to be present. Alexander cautioned him not to attend, said Norton. "I wanted to go in any case," said the teacher, "but my attorney thought it unusual that I could not bring counsel." With the matter referred to the state, the next order of business is a pretrial conference, Norton said, when his attorney and the boards will confer on who is to testify and for whom. When that pretrial conference will be is up to the commissioner, as is the date for hearing the case formally. Norton said he hoped a decision would be reached before school opens for the fall term. Meanwhile, Norton's attorney has obtained an indefinite postponement of a Municipal Curt hearing on Najemian's civil charges that resulted in Norton's arrest last month. The postponement was requested, Norton said, until after the state commissioner renders a decision. A favorable decision by the commissioner may make a Court hearing on Najemian's suggested. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 28 June 1969)
1969 assault:
Teacher Plans Appeal On State-Backed Ouster. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Former high school teacher James Norton has taken the first step toward appealing a ruling of state Commissioner of Education Carl E. Marburger authorizing his dismissal. Marburger ordered Norton's dismissal on grounds he was guilty of striking a student and physically abusing high school Principal Fred Procopio last year. Norton has filed a notice of appeal with the state Board of Education, which he is required to do within 30 days after the commissioner's ruling in order to be eligible for appeal. He has requested a copy of the voluminous transcript of his hearing, and says he has retained an attorney who will review it carefully with him to discover what ground he can base an appeal on. "We have to go over the whole thing before we make our decision whether to go ahead with the appeal or not," he said. Charges pressed in Municipal Court by George Najemian Sr., the parent, regarding the incident had been dismissed, but the borough Board of Education suspended Norton last year, then dismissed him after Commissioner Marburger ruled to authorize that act. Norton was suspended for three months in 1967 for striking a student, but the student's parents dropped charges when Norton admitted the assault. He was reinstated. The 40-year-old physics teacher is now employed in the Westchester County school system. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 10 October 1969)
South Amboy, New Jersey:
Janet and James moved to South Amboy, New Jersey in 2003.
Death:
He died on October 13, 2011 at his home in South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey of a Clostridium difficile infection that he acquired in the hospital, following his hernia operation.
Obituary:
James J. Norton, 82 of South Amboy passed away on Thursday October 13, 2011 at home. Jim and his wife, Janet, moved to South Amboy in 2003. He lived most of his married life in Ridgefield, NJ where he taught physics at Ridgefield Memorial High School for many years. Jim started his teaching career in St. Joseph's in West New York and Snyder High School in Jersey City. He also taught in Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood. While living in Ridgefield, Jim was very active in the Heritage Players and the Leonia Theater Guild. His interest in science and ecology led to his being the first Recycling Coordinator in Ridgefield. He was also a Civil Defense Coordinator in Ridgefield. Prior to starting his teaching career Jim served in the United States Army for four years during the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his wife Janet; his loving children, Barry Norton and his wife, April, of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Brian Norton of Stuart, Florida; Jamie Kay DePasquale and her husband, Paul, of Matawan New Jersey; his brother Thomas Norton; nephews Richard and Kenneth and niece Kathy Esposito. Friends and former students are invited to join the family in a "Celebration of Jim's Life" being held on October 29, 2011 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Morganville Volunteer Fire Department located at 78 Tennent Road, Morganville, NJ (just off Route 79). Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics New York.
Relationship:
James Joseph Norton II (1929-2011) was the uncle of Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ).
Research:
Researched and written by Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) for Findagrave starting on January 15, 2004. Updated on March 28, 2021 with the text from articles on his assault charges.
.
James Joseph Norton II (1929-2011) was a physics teacher. He was the first person in his family to graduate from college. (b. January 15, 1929; Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey, USA - d. October 13, 2011; South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, USA)
Parents:
He was the son of Thomas Patrick Norton I (1891-1968) and Mary Margaret Burke (1890-1949). Mary was a school teacher in Jersey City, New Jersey until she married Thomas.
Birth:
He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on January 15, 1929.
Education:
He attended Saint Peters College for his undergraduate degree then Seton Hall for his masters degree, most likely in physics. He then took an additional 60 credits of classes at Rutgers University and Columbia University.
Korean War:
He served in the United States Army for four years during the Korean Conflict as a member of the military police.
Teacher:
He taught physics at Ridgefield Memorial High School in Ridgefield, New Jersey. He was charged with assaulting a student in 1967, but the charge was dropped when he admitted the infraction and apologized to the student. He was dismissed when he assaulted a second student in 1969.
1967 assault:
Teacher Won't Be At Hearing On Complaint. Father Says He'll Drop Charge Filed After Son Was Struck Ridgefield James Norton, the suspended High School science and physics teacher, will not attend tonight's special Board of Education hearing on the charge that Norton had struck a pupil. Mrs. Norton said last night that attorney Saul Alexander of Paterson had ordered her husband not to attend the hearings or make any statements until the State Commissioner of Education has made a ruling in the case. Norton was suspended by the Board June 1 after Charles Boxer charged the teacher with striking his son, Scott, May 1. Mrs. Norton said her husband had sent a letter to the father. She did not say what was in the letter. As a result of the letter, Boxer said he was withdrawing the assault charge. He added that he was not out to crucify the teacher and the meat of the matter was that his son said he had been struck and that it had been admitted. Apology Offered. Norton reportedly said in the letter that he would publicly apologize to Scott and his parents. He said also that he hoped the incident would not disrupt the pleasant relationship he had had with the student. School trustees are expected to reinstate Norton with the opening of the fall term. The Board could ask the State Commissioner of Education to dismiss the charge against Norton. A hearing on the charge is scheduled in Hackensack September 11 and 12. Norton has been a member of the faculty since the High School opened in 1958. The Board of Education suspended Norton under a State law which requires such action when a serious complaint is made. Trustees have made decision in the case. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 31 August 1967)
1967 assault:
Teacher Awaits Hearing On Assault. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Lawyers representing the Board of Education and suspended teacher James Norton will meet tomorrow with Assistant Education Commissioner Eric Groezinger to lay the groundwork and set a date for Norton's hearing on charges of assaulting a student. Norton was suspended by the Board June 1 after Charles Boxer complained that his son Scott had been hit on the ear during a classroom argument. Tomorrow's meeting will be held at the Commissioner's office in Trenton. Representing Norton will be his attorney, Saul Alexander of Paterson. Norton, a physics teacher, has been with the school system for 9 years and has received several assurances of support from both teachers and parents. The New Jersey Education Association is paying all his legal fees and the Ridgefield Education Association offered to assist him financially while he is suspended. He is not receiving his salary during his suspension. The usual procedure in cases of this type is for the commissioner to name a hearing officer who in turn listens to both sides and recommends action. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 21 June 1967)
1969 assault:
Student Assault Charged Norton Case Referred To State. By J. Kevin Hall. Staff Writer. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Charges made against James Norton, high school physics teacher accused of striking a student, have been referred by school trustees to the state commissioner of education. The action came last night after Norton failed to appear at a Board of Education bearing scheduled to hear the teacher's response to charges made against him by George Najemian, former school board candidate. Najemian claims, the 39-year-old Norton struck his son, a student at the school. He has filed civil charges against Norton as well. "The Ridgefield Board of Education feels it has no alternative other than to refer these charges to the state Commissioner of Education for his action," said a board statement read last night by School Supt. W. Arthur Skewes when Norton did not show up. Norton, suspended by the board last year on similar charges involving another student, and later reinstated as charges were dropped, was not suspended this time. School is no longer in session and teachers and students are away, said Skewes when asked why the board had not suspended Norton. The board would not comment on what status Norton would have in September should the commissioner not reach a decision by that time. Reached later at his home, Norton said his attorney, Saul Alexander of Paterson, had advised him not to attend the hearing last night. "The letter from the board inviting me to attend," Norton explained," told me I could not bring legal counsel with me." Pre Trial Hearing Due. On that basis, and since a board attorney was expected to be present. Alexander cautioned him not to attend, said Norton. "I wanted to go in any case," said the teacher, "but my attorney thought it unusual that I could not bring counsel." With the matter referred to the state, the next order of business is a pretrial conference, Norton said, when his attorney and the boards will confer on who is to testify and for whom. When that pretrial conference will be is up to the commissioner, as is the date for hearing the case formally. Norton said he hoped a decision would be reached before school opens for the fall term. Meanwhile, Norton's attorney has obtained an indefinite postponement of a Municipal Curt hearing on Najemian's civil charges that resulted in Norton's arrest last month. The postponement was requested, Norton said, until after the state commissioner renders a decision. A favorable decision by the commissioner may make a Court hearing on Najemian's suggested. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 28 June 1969)
1969 assault:
Teacher Plans Appeal On State-Backed Ouster. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Former high school teacher James Norton has taken the first step toward appealing a ruling of state Commissioner of Education Carl E. Marburger authorizing his dismissal. Marburger ordered Norton's dismissal on grounds he was guilty of striking a student and physically abusing high school Principal Fred Procopio last year. Norton has filed a notice of appeal with the state Board of Education, which he is required to do within 30 days after the commissioner's ruling in order to be eligible for appeal. He has requested a copy of the voluminous transcript of his hearing, and says he has retained an attorney who will review it carefully with him to discover what ground he can base an appeal on. "We have to go over the whole thing before we make our decision whether to go ahead with the appeal or not," he said. Charges pressed in Municipal Court by George Najemian Sr., the parent, regarding the incident had been dismissed, but the borough Board of Education suspended Norton last year, then dismissed him after Commissioner Marburger ruled to authorize that act. Norton was suspended for three months in 1967 for striking a student, but the student's parents dropped charges when Norton admitted the assault. He was reinstated. The 40-year-old physics teacher is now employed in the Westchester County school system. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 10 October 1969)
South Amboy, New Jersey:
Janet and James moved to South Amboy, New Jersey in 2003.
Death:
He died on October 13, 2011 at his home in South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey of a Clostridium difficile infection that he acquired in the hospital, following his hernia operation.
Obituary:
James J. Norton, 82 of South Amboy passed away on Thursday October 13, 2011 at home. Jim and his wife, Janet, moved to South Amboy in 2003. He lived most of his married life in Ridgefield, NJ where he taught physics at Ridgefield Memorial High School for many years. Jim started his teaching career in St. Joseph's in West New York and Snyder High School in Jersey City. He also taught in Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood. While living in Ridgefield, Jim was very active in the Heritage Players and the Leonia Theater Guild. His interest in science and ecology led to his being the first Recycling Coordinator in Ridgefield. He was also a Civil Defense Coordinator in Ridgefield. Prior to starting his teaching career Jim served in the United States Army for four years during the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his wife Janet; his loving children, Barry Norton and his wife, April, of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Brian Norton of Stuart, Florida; Jamie Kay DePasquale and her husband, Paul, of Matawan New Jersey; his brother Thomas Norton; nephews Richard and Kenneth and niece Kathy Esposito. Friends and former students are invited to join the family in a "Celebration of Jim's Life" being held on October 29, 2011 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Morganville Volunteer Fire Department located at 78 Tennent Road, Morganville, NJ (just off Route 79). Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics New York.
Relationship:
James Joseph Norton II (1929-2011) was the uncle of Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ).
Research:
Researched and written by Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) for Findagrave starting on January 15, 2004. Updated on March 28, 2021 with the text from articles on his assault charges.
.
Parents:
He was the son of Thomas Patrick Norton I (1891-1968) and Mary Margaret Burke (1890-1949). Mary was a school teacher in Jersey City, New Jersey until she married Thomas.
Birth:
He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on January 15, 1929.
Education:
He attended Saint Peters College for his undergraduate degree then Seton Hall for his masters degree, most likely in physics. He then took an additional 60 credits of classes at Rutgers University and Columbia University.
Korean War:
He served in the United States Army for four years during the Korean Conflict as a member of the military police.
Teacher:
He taught physics at Ridgefield Memorial High School in Ridgefield, New Jersey. He was charged with assaulting a student in 1967, but the charge was dropped when he admitted the infraction and apologized to the student. He was dismissed when he assaulted a second student in 1969.
1967 assault:
Teacher Won't Be At Hearing On Complaint. Father Says He'll Drop Charge Filed After Son Was Struck Ridgefield James Norton, the suspended High School science and physics teacher, will not attend tonight's special Board of Education hearing on the charge that Norton had struck a pupil. Mrs. Norton said last night that attorney Saul Alexander of Paterson had ordered her husband not to attend the hearings or make any statements until the State Commissioner of Education has made a ruling in the case. Norton was suspended by the Board June 1 after Charles Boxer charged the teacher with striking his son, Scott, May 1. Mrs. Norton said her husband had sent a letter to the father. She did not say what was in the letter. As a result of the letter, Boxer said he was withdrawing the assault charge. He added that he was not out to crucify the teacher and the meat of the matter was that his son said he had been struck and that it had been admitted. Apology Offered. Norton reportedly said in the letter that he would publicly apologize to Scott and his parents. He said also that he hoped the incident would not disrupt the pleasant relationship he had had with the student. School trustees are expected to reinstate Norton with the opening of the fall term. The Board could ask the State Commissioner of Education to dismiss the charge against Norton. A hearing on the charge is scheduled in Hackensack September 11 and 12. Norton has been a member of the faculty since the High School opened in 1958. The Board of Education suspended Norton under a State law which requires such action when a serious complaint is made. Trustees have made decision in the case. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 31 August 1967)
1967 assault:
Teacher Awaits Hearing On Assault. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Lawyers representing the Board of Education and suspended teacher James Norton will meet tomorrow with Assistant Education Commissioner Eric Groezinger to lay the groundwork and set a date for Norton's hearing on charges of assaulting a student. Norton was suspended by the Board June 1 after Charles Boxer complained that his son Scott had been hit on the ear during a classroom argument. Tomorrow's meeting will be held at the Commissioner's office in Trenton. Representing Norton will be his attorney, Saul Alexander of Paterson. Norton, a physics teacher, has been with the school system for 9 years and has received several assurances of support from both teachers and parents. The New Jersey Education Association is paying all his legal fees and the Ridgefield Education Association offered to assist him financially while he is suspended. He is not receiving his salary during his suspension. The usual procedure in cases of this type is for the commissioner to name a hearing officer who in turn listens to both sides and recommends action. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 21 June 1967)
1969 assault:
Student Assault Charged Norton Case Referred To State. By J. Kevin Hall. Staff Writer. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Charges made against James Norton, high school physics teacher accused of striking a student, have been referred by school trustees to the state commissioner of education. The action came last night after Norton failed to appear at a Board of Education bearing scheduled to hear the teacher's response to charges made against him by George Najemian, former school board candidate. Najemian claims, the 39-year-old Norton struck his son, a student at the school. He has filed civil charges against Norton as well. "The Ridgefield Board of Education feels it has no alternative other than to refer these charges to the state Commissioner of Education for his action," said a board statement read last night by School Supt. W. Arthur Skewes when Norton did not show up. Norton, suspended by the board last year on similar charges involving another student, and later reinstated as charges were dropped, was not suspended this time. School is no longer in session and teachers and students are away, said Skewes when asked why the board had not suspended Norton. The board would not comment on what status Norton would have in September should the commissioner not reach a decision by that time. Reached later at his home, Norton said his attorney, Saul Alexander of Paterson, had advised him not to attend the hearing last night. "The letter from the board inviting me to attend," Norton explained," told me I could not bring legal counsel with me." Pre Trial Hearing Due. On that basis, and since a board attorney was expected to be present. Alexander cautioned him not to attend, said Norton. "I wanted to go in any case," said the teacher, "but my attorney thought it unusual that I could not bring counsel." With the matter referred to the state, the next order of business is a pretrial conference, Norton said, when his attorney and the boards will confer on who is to testify and for whom. When that pretrial conference will be is up to the commissioner, as is the date for hearing the case formally. Norton said he hoped a decision would be reached before school opens for the fall term. Meanwhile, Norton's attorney has obtained an indefinite postponement of a Municipal Curt hearing on Najemian's civil charges that resulted in Norton's arrest last month. The postponement was requested, Norton said, until after the state commissioner renders a decision. A favorable decision by the commissioner may make a Court hearing on Najemian's suggested. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 28 June 1969)
1969 assault:
Teacher Plans Appeal On State-Backed Ouster. Ridgefield, New Jersey. Former high school teacher James Norton has taken the first step toward appealing a ruling of state Commissioner of Education Carl E. Marburger authorizing his dismissal. Marburger ordered Norton's dismissal on grounds he was guilty of striking a student and physically abusing high school Principal Fred Procopio last year. Norton has filed a notice of appeal with the state Board of Education, which he is required to do within 30 days after the commissioner's ruling in order to be eligible for appeal. He has requested a copy of the voluminous transcript of his hearing, and says he has retained an attorney who will review it carefully with him to discover what ground he can base an appeal on. "We have to go over the whole thing before we make our decision whether to go ahead with the appeal or not," he said. Charges pressed in Municipal Court by George Najemian Sr., the parent, regarding the incident had been dismissed, but the borough Board of Education suspended Norton last year, then dismissed him after Commissioner Marburger ruled to authorize that act. Norton was suspended for three months in 1967 for striking a student, but the student's parents dropped charges when Norton admitted the assault. He was reinstated. The 40-year-old physics teacher is now employed in the Westchester County school system. (Source: The Record of Hackensack, New Jersey on 10 October 1969)
South Amboy, New Jersey:
Janet and James moved to South Amboy, New Jersey in 2003.
Death:
He died on October 13, 2011 at his home in South Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey of a Clostridium difficile infection that he acquired in the hospital, following his hernia operation.
Obituary:
James J. Norton, 82 of South Amboy passed away on Thursday October 13, 2011 at home. Jim and his wife, Janet, moved to South Amboy in 2003. He lived most of his married life in Ridgefield, NJ where he taught physics at Ridgefield Memorial High School for many years. Jim started his teaching career in St. Joseph's in West New York and Snyder High School in Jersey City. He also taught in Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood. While living in Ridgefield, Jim was very active in the Heritage Players and the Leonia Theater Guild. His interest in science and ecology led to his being the first Recycling Coordinator in Ridgefield. He was also a Civil Defense Coordinator in Ridgefield. Prior to starting his teaching career Jim served in the United States Army for four years during the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his wife Janet; his loving children, Barry Norton and his wife, April, of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Brian Norton of Stuart, Florida; Jamie Kay DePasquale and her husband, Paul, of Matawan New Jersey; his brother Thomas Norton; nephews Richard and Kenneth and niece Kathy Esposito. Friends and former students are invited to join the family in a "Celebration of Jim's Life" being held on October 29, 2011 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Morganville Volunteer Fire Department located at 78 Tennent Road, Morganville, NJ (just off Route 79). Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics New York.
Relationship:
James Joseph Norton II (1929-2011) was the uncle of Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ).
Research:
Researched and written by Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) for Findagrave starting on January 15, 2004. Updated on March 28, 2021 with the text from articles on his assault charges.
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