John Norman Herby, 86, formerly of Jamestown N.Y., passed away comfortably in his sleep on Nov. 5, 2012.
"Norm" was born Feb. 22, 1926, in Jamestown N.Y., the youngest child of Fredrick Charles and Irene Brownell Herby.
A 1944 graduate of Jamestown High School, Norman was drafted three months later into the Navy during World War II. After serving his country, Norm went on to marry Violet, his "beautiful blonde," in September of 1947. The G.I. Bill took Norm and Vi to St. Lawrence University in Canton N.Y., where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration in 1950.
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John Norman Herby
They returned to Jamestown to raise their family and began a long history of work, community service and volunteerism. Prior to his retirement he had worked in metal manufacturing, tax and estate planning, real estate and insurance.
Ever civic-minded, Norm was elected to Jamestown City Council for eight years and served as president of the council for two of those years. He was later elected to represent District 14 in the Chautauqua County Legislature for several years holding positions on several committees and boards.
He was an active member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, where he was a trustee. His other memberships include Jamestown Lions Club, American Legion and numerous Masonic bodies. He was also a blood donor for the American Red Cross having provided over 100 pints of blood.
His love of singing was shown through participation in church choir, James-town Harmony Express and Third Generation Quartet.
For a hobby, Norm found time to collect a "few" license plates over the years, finally numbering in the thousands. He just about had a story to tell for each one.
J. Norman was proud of his service to his community, yet he was the most proud of his immediate family. He so looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren over the years and their wonderful Christmases and holidays together in Minnesota. In 2007, Norm and Vi moved to Minnesota to be closer to them. Through their years in Jamestown, they developed friendships too numerous to mention, yet their friends were as important as family.
Norm is survived by a son, Paul (Susan) Herby; grandchildren: Christopher (Jocelyn) Herby, Timothy (Elisa) Herby, Caitlin Marie Herby; and great-granddaughter Brooke Martha Herby, all of Minnesota; and a sister, Mary Jane (Robert) Beck of Palo Alto, Calif.
Norm is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Martha Susan Herby; and recently by his lovely wife of 65 years, Violet Burke Herby, who died Oct. 16, 2012.
A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Inurnment will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.
Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, in the Lind Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701.
You may light a candle in remembrance of Norm and Vi at www.lindfuneralhome.com.
