Jim Norene

Jim Norene (June 16, 1923-June 5, 2009) was an American veterinarian. A recipient of the Bronze Star Medal during World War II, he died in his sleep after returning to France for the 65th anniversary of D-Day.

Early life and education
James W. Norene was born on June 16, 1923, to Roy and Mildred Norene in Astoria, Oregon. He graduated from Grant High School in 1942. While attending Oregon State University, he enlisted in the United States Army in December 1942. He served with the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne, fought in Holland during Operation Market Garden, and later in Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. After he was discharged, he enrolled at Washington State University in pre-veterinary medicine.

Career
Norene opened the first veterinary clinic in Morrow County, Oregon in November 1954. He retired from veterinary medicine in 1998.

Marriage and children
Norene married Corabelle "Cork" Nutting on June 10, 1950 in Mitchell, Oregon. (She preceded him in death in 2005.) The couple had one daughter, Tracie Bunch.

Death and afterward
Despite suffering from an advanced stage of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Norene visited Normandy to commemorate the 65th anniversary of D-Day. He died in his sleep on the night of June 5, 2009 in Deauville, France. President Barack Obama mentioned Norene in his D-Day speech.