Norman, James ''Happy''

Norman James (Happy), Town Councilman. Enjoyed performing wing-walking stunts with fellow villager Jack Looney at the controls. The planes would take off from the grassy area that in later years was developed by the Grumman Corporation on Stewart Ave. He broke his ankle in a parachute jump at the polo field in the area where Grumman, Plant I had its runway and now location of Sunnylane and Apollo Golden Age Housing. (Rosalie Niemczyk Walsh)

James was born in Iowa, one of nine children, and attended school in Iowa, including Iowa State Teachers College. He served in World War I as a second lieutenant with the First Flying Division. "Happy" Norman received a citation from President Wilson as one of the youngest flyers of the war. After the war he put together an air circus and traveled through the states teaching flying and parachute jumping. He became interested in air stunting while flying at top speeds. He became the only man in the world to make rope landings from an airplane, not once, but thirty two times!

In addition to the field of aviation, Mr. Norman took honors in the field of athletics. He became a champion wrestler, and held four wrestling titles, including the junior welterweight championship of the world. His interest in Ju Jitsu brought him the coveted Black Diamond Belt, and he taught Ju Jitsu in his home.

Politics fascinated Mr. Norman, he was an active Republican Committeeman, and he attended many state and national conventions. He was the first resident of Bethpage to be elected as Councilman.

Leadership is the paramount characteristic of Mr. Norman. He was the founder of the Police Boy's Club and active member of the Boy Scouts Committee. He was Commander of the American Legion, a volunteer fireman, and Commander of the Grumman Ex-Servicemen.

Information by Mary Ann Achtziger 10/31/67

Information from a Testimonial Dinner given in his honor on Sunday, June 10, 1951 - Also states, "Happy" was a building contractor for twenty years, and operated his own contracting firm. He was a District Building Inspector, and worked as materials and construction inspector during the erection of the new Bethpage School.

After the war, he organized an air circus, and toured the U. S. doing exhibition flying, stunting, wing-walking, and parachute jumping. Some of his aerobatics received notice in Robert Ripley's "Believe It Or Not" column. He was a member of Hicksville Last Man Club, North Bethpage Civic Association, The Masonic Order and The Shriners.

James A. Norman died May 13, 1968. Survived by his wife, Helen, his three daughters and four grandchildren. Religious services held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Stewart Ave. Interment L. I. National Cemetery.