John Joseph Norris, preferably known as Jack, a local airplane pilot and cherished resident of Santa Monica, California, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, at the age of 96. Born in 1928, in Scranton, PA, Jack's life was marked by an extraordinary spirit of adventure and dedication to the advocacy and support of general aviation and the local airplane pilots.

In the late 1940's, after Jack graduated high school, he bought a Harley Davidson and told his mother "I have to see what's on the other side of every hill." and he never looked back. He traveled on his Harley across the United States landing in Malibu, California. In 1949 Jack took an interest in aviation and discovered the thrill of flying. He shared "I had no intention of flying professionally. I just wanted to fly for the sheer fun of it." From there Jack embarked on a remarkable career in ariel mapping, traveling the globe and capturing the world from above. His passion for aviation led him to a distinguished tenure with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), beginning in 1971 as an accident prevention specialist. From there he moved up to the FAA's Western-Pacific Regional Office as an airspace safety inspector and in 1988, he was promoted to airspace safety coordinator. Jack was honored with many accolades and awards, reflecting his commitment to safety and excellence in the field.

Jack's love for flying, traveling, nature, and photography was well-known among his family and friends. These passions not only defined his career but also enriched his personal life, allowing him to explore and document the beauty of the world.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Coramae Combs Norris, his brother, Charles Norris, his step-son Clay H. Landrum, and his parents, Joseph A. and Theresa (Tess) Norris. Jack is survived by his step-daughter Gail A. Landrum Drewniak of Santa Monica, California, and his cousins, Peter Bukunus of Howey-In-The-Hills, Florida, Marianne Gilroy of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Diane Santarsiero of Baltimore, Maryland.

Jack's legacy is one of adventure, dedication to general aviation, including admiration and enjoyment of the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Twin Beeches, Cessna 320s, Comanche, Breezy, Mooney Mite, and love for those around him. His memory will be treasured by all who knew him, and his contributions to aviation safety will continue to inspire future generations of pilots.

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