James Coomber Norton III, 83, of Plattsburgh, New York, passed away October 22, 2014, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. Jim was born in Los Angeles on June 29, 1931 to James and Helen Coomber Norton. He graduated in 1953 from Stanford with a BA in Economics. He served in the US Coast Guard Reserve from 1951-1959.

His early work at Stanford Research Institute International put him at the forefront of Information Technology. The innovative group he worked with, headed up by inventor Doug Englebart, developed the prototype of the computer mouse. He later worked for Tymshare, McDonnell Douglas Company, then with Systems Engineering Solutions, Inc, and others in conjunction with the US Army. Eventually settling in Plattsburgh, New York, he finished his career as a Computer Technology Consultant.

Jim was a formidable tennis player in early years, had a passion for English MG Midgets (series 'TD'), was an avid small craft sailor (captain of an 8 ft Melody and a 19 ft Lightning), and upon retirement enjoyed road trips with his wife and companion, Micheline, in their beloved Chevy Astro Van.

Jim was predeceased by his parents; his wife Micheline Belanger Norton; and their cat, Toupi. He is survived by his son James R Norton IV (Kemi) of Seattle, Washington; his daughter, Sandra (Kerry) Kasperski of Hawaii; his daughter, Mindy (Hilleary) Rosenfeld of Mendocino, California; five grandsons; two great-granddaughters; and his brother, Robert Victor (Marianne) Norton of Decorah, Washington.

The Press-Republican, November 1, 2014