James Norfleet

James Norfleet was born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 29, 1939 to Peter and Roena Norfleet.  He was the second youngest of 7 siblings who all preceded him in Death – Dortha Mae, Irvin, Fred, Lois, Melvin, Bea and Carolyn. During his early life in Baltimore, he would begin to show the aptitude and diligence scholastically, particularly in Science, that would set the path for his professional life.  He graduated from Dunbar HS in 1957 and following his graduation he become one of the first African Americans to attend the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.  He would leave the University of Maryland due to financial considerations for his family and follow his 3 brothers into Military Service and join the Army.  In the Army, he would run the base hospital pharmacy in Stuttgart, Germany where he would receive a letter of commendation from his commanding officer stated “your rational approach in the manufacturing laboratory enhanced the efficiency of operations and provided inspiration for your fellow soldiers through leadership by example.”

James was honorably discharged from the Army on June 30, 1965 and that fall he would resume his academic career at Morgan State University where he would major in Biology.  While at Morgan James joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and this membership would be a lifelong source of service, brotherhood and pride.  During this time James would meet Lillian Midder, they married on December 10, 1967 and had three children Irvin, Darren and Genea.

 Upon graduation from Morgan State, James would be recruited by Colgate-Palmolive and his illustrious 37-year career at Colgate would not only change the fortunes of his family, but would change the course of oral care.    James’ career at Colgate started as an R&D scientist and ended as the Worldwide Vice President of Oral Care.  During this time he was credited with over a dozen patents as an inventor and as an executive his career culminated with the launch of Colgate Total.  His career at Colgate would require him to travel all over the world including South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.  His rise up the ranks not only broke many racial barriers in corporate America, but also served as an inspiration to all that were fortunate enough to find themselves in his presence.

James retired from Colgate in 2004 and he spent his later years inspiring people in his community and as a Deacon at his beloved church home Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, NJ.  At Shiloh James would be a church leader and serve the Lord with his time, resources, wit and wisdom.

James left this earth on June 21, 2024 to take his place beside our Lord and Savior.  Surviving him are his children (son Irvin and wife Elaine, son Darren and daughter Genea), grandchildren (Ayanna, Jacob, Isaiah, Aaron, Alexandra and Natalia), The Barbour Family (Gwendolyn, Jarvis, Tiffany, Vanessa, Kevin and Kimberly), Gina Studivant-Day and her husband Shelton, Amy Garrison and countless other nieces, nephews, friends, church family and all of the people he inspired through his incredible life.  His final wishes were for all to know – He Loved the Lord, He Loved His Family, He Cared and He Tried to make a Difference.