We were saddened to learn that John Clover “Jack” Norris passed away on April 4.
Raised on a ranch and citrus grove, Jack spent his career in the agriculture industry. He believed that agriculture should support its workers, which led him to us.
Jack was a long-time and consistent supporter of RCMA, with financial gifts from him and his wife, Kay, personally and through his Norris Family Charitable Foundation Trust dating back to 1995 and totaling more than $120,000. His contributions helped us establish our nationally recognized charter schools and in so many other ways.
He served on our Board of Directors from 1998 to 2012.
Medora Krome, RCMA Board President, fondly remembers Jack as a gentle man and a gentleman.
Barbara Mainster, a current Board Member and former Executive Director, says, “Jack Norris was one of the foundation blocks based in Florida agriculture on the RCMA Board. Gentle, honest, sharp, fair and absolutely dependable. Jack always remembered the reason for our being – the children and the families. His generosity and kindness were legendary. We thank his wife, Kay, and his family for sharing him with us!”
Mike Bayer, a current Board Member, remembers joining the Board in March 2000 and meeting Jack. “He was an impressive figure. He was a lifelong ag industry guy who found time to do a lot for the families of the workers. I remember that he spoke passionately about the folks who worked in the field and considered them as equals. He was a great guy.”
You can learn more about this remarkable man by reading his obituary or the bio when he was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame.
