James "Jim" A. Noren
January 8, 1931 ~ March 20, 2021
James A. “Jim” Noren, 90, of Taylorville, passed away at 11:55 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2020 at Heritage Manor in Pana.
Jim was born in Taylorville, the son of Frank and Mary (Bailey) Noren. He married Mary Ann Reish on September 16, 1949 in Springfield, IL. She preceded him in death on May 7, 2018
Jim graduated from Taylorville High School with the class of 1949. He worked his entire career for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1992. Jim went on to serve as Alderman of Ward 2 for eight years, and was then elected Mayor of Taylorville, where he served from 1989-1993. He was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and a past-member of several local organizations. In his free time, Jim enjoyed traveling and fishing.
He was also preceded in death by his parents; sons, Dane “Poncho” Miller and Kevin F. Noren; sisters, Johanna Daughtery and Barbara Pelati; and brothers, Ted, Bill, and Lindy Noren.
Jim is survived by his son, Richard J. (wife, Marcia) Noren of Somerset, KY; daughter, Diane (husband, Leland) Miller-McCravy of Atlanta, GA; daughter-in-law, Nancy Noren of Taylorville; grandchildren, Matthew Noren of Dickinson, TX, Timeri (husband, Joseph) Noren-Lestina of Eagle River, AK, and Roni (husband, James) Day of Taylorville; great grandchildren, Gabe, Luke, Alisa, and Brooke; great-great grandchildren, Lindsay, Beckett, Kayden, and Bowen; siblings, Ronald (wife, Connie) Noren of Orange, CA, and Marilyn Voggetzer of Taylorville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation & Memorial Ceremony: The family will receive guests from 10:30 a.m. until the time of ceremony at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin Street, Taylorville, IL 62568, with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz officiating.
Inurnment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: St. Mary School, 422 S. Washington Street, Taylorville, IL 62568, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Jim, or offer condolences to his family.
To Jim’s family so sorry for your loss. I visited Jim a year ago while back in Taylorville for the holidays. I’ve known Jim for 40 years. My father and brother worked with Kevin for many years and I personally knew Kevin, went to car shows and road Harleys with him at local events. It wasn’t until I moved to Nebraska 11 years ago I discovered Jim’s mother Mary Bailey was my Great Grand Fathers sister. Small world! RIP Jim. Until we meet again, Rod Bailey
My prayers are with the families members — I am deeply sorry for your loss. My ex-husband was his water superintendent when he was Mayor. Mary & Jim were always good to us and other employees as well.
I always loved both Jim and Mary Ann. I worked for Jim for a few years in the Mayor’s office right out of high school. It was such a learning experience for me which I still treasure. Both Jim and Mary Ann were so loving, kind and good to me. I have nothing but the fondest of memories of them both. Rest in peace Mayor Noren and prayers to the family.